Epidemic Information Exchange
Epi-X is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's web-based communications solution for public health professionals. Through Epi-X, CDC officials, state and local health departments, poison control centers, and other public health professionals can access and share preliminary health surveillance information --- quickly and securely. Users can also be actively notified of breaking health events as they occur. Key features of Epi-X include unparalleled scientific and editorial support, controlled user access, digital credentials and authentication, rapid outbreak reporting, and peer-to-peer consultation.Participation in Epi-X is limited to public health officials designated by each health agency. These experts are engaged in identifying, investigating, and responding to health threats. Access to Epi-X is limited to these designated officials to ensure the security necessary for the exchange of preliminary and provisional information. The technology that supports Epi-X makes the system available to these individuals while in the field, in the laboratory, at the office, or at home. Currently, Epi-X has approximately 4,200 users.
Epi-X supports postings and discussions about disease outbreaks and other public health events that potentially involve multiple jurisdictions. Since its inception in December 2000, health officials have posted approximately 6,700 reports. Epi-X highlights include reports related to local and national responses to terrorism, SARS, and Hurricane Katrina. Other Epi-X reports have focused on West Nile virus surveillance, influenza surveillance and pandemic preparation, food borne outbreaks and food recalls that affected residents in multiple states, and investigations of travelers with contagious illnesses.
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