Original Article
Comparison of approaches to rheumatic fever surveillance across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries
Jane Oliver,
Michael G Baker,
Nevil Pierse,
Jonathan Carapetis,
Corresponding Author
Jane Oliver
Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
Correspondence: Ms Jane Oliver, Department of Public Health, University of Otago, PO Box 7343, Wellington South 6242, New Zealand. Fax: +64 4 389 5319; email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorMichael G Baker
Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
Search for more papers by this authorNevil Pierse
Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
Search for more papers by this authorJonathan Carapetis
Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorJane Oliver,
Michael G Baker,
Nevil Pierse,
Jonathan Carapetis,
Corresponding Author
Jane Oliver
Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
Correspondence: Ms Jane Oliver, Department of Public Health, University of Otago, PO Box 7343, Wellington South 6242, New Zealand. Fax: +64 4 389 5319; email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorMichael G Baker
Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
Search for more papers by this authorNevil Pierse
Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
Search for more papers by this authorJonathan Carapetis
Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorConflict of interest: The authors have no coflicts of interest to disclose.
Abstract
Aim
Rheumatic fever (RF) prevention, control and surveillance are increasingly important priorities in New Zealand (NZ) and Australia. We compared RF surveillance across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries to assist in benchmarking and identifying useful approaches.
Methods
A structured literature review was completed using Medline and PubMed databases, investigating RF incidence rates. Surveillance methods were noted. Health department websites were searched to assess whether addressing RF was a Government priority.
Results
Of 32 OECD member countries, nine reported RF incidence rates after 1999. Highest rates were seen in indigenous Australians, and NZ Māori and Pacific peoples. NZ and Australian surveillance systems are highly developed, with notification and register data compiled regularly. Only these two Governments appeared to prioritise RF surveillance and control. Other countries relied mainly on hospitalisation data. There is a lack of standardisation across incidence rate calculations. Israel and Italy may have relatively high RF rates among developed countries.
Conclusions
RF lingers in specific populations in OECD member countries. At a minimum, RF registers are needed in higher incidence countries. Countries with low RF incidences should periodically review surveillance information to ensure rates are not increasing.
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