TY - JOUR AU - Chan, Y. Isaac H. AU - Gofine, Miriam AU - Arora, Shitij AU - Shaikh, Ahmed AU - Balsari, Satchit PY - 2023/3/8 TI - Technology, Training, and Task Shifting at the World?s Largest Mass Gathering in 2025: An Opportunity for Antibiotic Stewardship in India JO - JMIR Public Health Surveill SP - e45121 VL - 9 KW - digital tools KW - mass gathering KW - Kumbh Mela KW - antibiotics KW - antimicrobial KW - stewardship KW - surveillance KW - public health KW - informatics KW - India UR - https://publichealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e45121 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/45121 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36805363 ID - info:doi/10.2196/45121 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Alqahtani, S. Amani AU - Alsharif, A. Saeed AU - Garnan, A. Mohammad AU - Tashani, Mohamed AU - BinDhim, F. Nasser AU - Heywood, E. Anita AU - Booy, Robert AU - Wiley, E. Kerrie AU - Rashid, Harunor AU - PY - 2020/7/14 TI - The Impact of Receiving Pretravel Health Advice on the Prevention of Hajj-Related Illnesses Among Australian Pilgrims: Cohort Study JO - JMIR Public Health Surveill SP - e10959 VL - 6 IS - 3 KW - Hajj KW - health behavior KW - mass gathering KW - pretravel health advice KW - travelers N2 - Background: Pretravel health advice can play a crucial role in improving both travelers? awareness about disease risk and compliance with preventive measures. General practitioners (GPs) and the internet have been reported internationally to be the main sources of health advice for travelers to non?mass gathering (MG) destinations. However, few studies have attempted to investigate the sources of health advice among travelers to MGs including the Hajj pilgrimage, and none of these studies further investigated the impact of pretravel advice on pilgrims? health behaviors. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the source of pretravel health advice (from GPs and specialized Hajj travel agents) on Hajj pilgrims? awareness of and compliance with health recommendations, and the incidence of Hajj-associated illnesses. Methods: A prospective cohort study (before and during Hajj) was conducted among Australian pilgrims aged ?18 years in 2015. Results: A total of 421 pilgrims participated prior to Hajj, and 391 (93%) provided follow-up data during Hajj. All participants obtained pretravel health advice from one or more sources, with Hajj travel agents (46%) and general practitioners (GPs; 40%) the most commonly reported sources. In total, 288 (74%) participants reported Hajj-related symptoms, of which 86% (248/288) were respiratory symptoms. Participants who obtained pretravel health advice from travel agents were more likely to be aware of the official Saudi recommendations (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.8; P=.01), receive recommended vaccines before travel (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-3.9; P=.01), use hand sanitizers including soap (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-6.1; P=.03), and wash their hands after touching an ill person during Hajj (aOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.1-7.1; P=.01), compared to those who sought advice from GPs. However, neither advice from travel agents nor GPs was associated with a lower incidence of Hajj-related illnesses. Conclusions: Advice from travel agents appeared to be accessed by more travelers than that from GPs, and was associated with an increased likelihood of positive travel health behaviors. UR - https://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/3/e10959 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/10959 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32673259 ID - info:doi/10.2196/10959 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Chitheer, Abdulaal AU - Lami, Faris AU - Radhi, Ahmed AU - Arbaji, Ali PY - 2020/5/28 TI - Injuries Reported by Selected Health Facilities During the Arbaeenia Mass Gathering at Babel Governorate, Iraq, 2014: Retrospective Records Analysis JO - JMIR Public Health Surveill SP - e10877 VL - 6 IS - 2 KW - mass gathering KW - Injury KW - Karbala, Iraq N2 - Background: Arbaeenia is the largest religious mass gathering in Iraq. The conditions associated with mass gatherings result in high rates of injury. There have been no prior studies on injuries during the Arbaeenia mass gathering. Objective: This study describes the injuries observed during the Arbaeenia mass gathering in Babel Governorate in Iraq between November 24 and December 14, 2014. Methods: The study was conducted in Babel Governorate at the emergency departments of six public hospitals and two major temporary medical units that were located along the three roads connecting the Middle and Southern Iraqi governorates. We used the Iraq Injury Surveillance System modified form to collect information on injured patients treated in the selected facilities. Data on fatal injuries was obtained from the coroner?s office. The following data were collected from the patients: demographics, outcome of injury, place and time of occurrence, mode of evacuation and medical care before arriving at the hospital, duration of travel from place of occurrence to hospital, disposition of non-fatal injury, cause and mode of injury, and whether the injury occurred in connection with the Arbaeenia mass gathering. Results: Information was collected on 1564 injury cases, of which 73 were fatal. About half of the reported nonfatal injuries, 687/1404 (48.9%), and a quarter of fatalities, 18/73 (25%) were related to the Arbaeenia mass gathering (P<.001). Most of the reported injuries were unintentional, 1341/1404 (95.51%), occurred on the street, 864/1323 (65.6%), occurred during the daytime 1103/1174 (93.95 %). Most of those injured were evacuated by means other than ambulance 1107/1206 (91.79%) and did not receive pre-hospital medical care 788/1163 (67.7%). Minor injuries 400/1546 (25.9%) and traffic accidents 394/1546 (25.5%) were the most common types of injuries, followed by falls 270/1546 (17.5%). Among fatal injuries, traffic accidents 38/73 (52%) and violence 18/73 (25%) were the leading causes of death. Mass gathering injuries were more likely to occur among individuals aged 21-40 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.5; 95% CI 2.7-4.5) and >41 years (OR 7.6; 95% CI 5.4-10.6) versus those <21 years; more likely to be unintentional than assault (OR 5.3; 95% CI 1.8-15.5); more likely to happen on the street versus at home (OR 37.7; 95% CI 22.4-63.6); less likely to happen at night than during the day (OR 0.2; 95% CI 0.1-0.4); and less likely to result in hospital admission (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.3-0.7). Conclusions: The study shows that most injuries were minor, unintentional, and nonfatal, and most people with injuries had limited access to ambulance transportation and did not require hospitalization. UR - http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e10877/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/10877 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32463371 ID - info:doi/10.2196/10877 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Al Nsour, Mohannad PY - 2020/4/8 TI - Iraq Mass Gathering Preparedness and Public Health Recommendations JO - JMIR Public Health Surveill SP - e15886 VL - 6 IS - 2 KW - mass gathering KW - Iraq UR - http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e15886/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/15886 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32267241 ID - info:doi/10.2196/15886 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hantoosh, Hayder AU - Lami, Faris AU - Saber, Basel PY - 2019/10/16 TI - Disease Burden on Health Facilities in Governorates South of Karbala During the Arbaeenia Mass Gathering in Iraq in 2014: Cross-Sectional Study JO - JMIR Public Health Surveill SP - e10917 VL - 5 IS - 4 KW - mass gathering KW - Arbaeenia KW - Iraq KW - disease burden N2 - Background: Millions of Iraqi pilgrims travel annually from the southern governorates to Karbala and pass through Thiqar, Muthana, and Diwania Governorates to join the Arbaeenia mass gathering event. During this event, participants are at high risk for diseases and death and stifle local health care resources. In addition, the mass gathering causes considerable burden on health facilities in the hosting localities. Objective: This study aims to estimate the disease burden on health facilities caused by the pilgrims passing through Thiqar, Muthana, and Diwania Governorates en route to Karbala in Iraq. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all health facilities in three governorates (Thiqar, Muthana, and Diwania) situated along the southern way to Karbala from Basra. The study started on December 11, 2014, and ended on December 24, 2014. The morbidity and mortality were collected from surveillance logbooks and death registers. Drug purchase data were obtained from the personnel in charge of the pharmacies. The study period was divided into three phases on the basis of the timing of the mass gathering event: pre-event, the event, and postevent. Results: There were 884,834 incidents reported during the study. The majority of incidents were reported during the event phase (95%) and were attended mostly at mobile clinics (77%). The average daily incidents during the pre-event, event, and postevent phases were 4300, 56,040, and 4548 incidents, respectively. Musculoskeletal disorders were the most common illness reported (55%). The average number of daily deaths was 43, 36, and 45 during the pre-event, event, and postevent, respectively, and these values did not differ significantly. Cardiovascular diseases (43.5%), injuries (29.8%), and respiratory illnesses (12%) were the leading causes of deaths. Approximately US $1.3 million was spent on drug purchases during this mass gathering in the three governorates. Conclusions: The Arbaeenia mass gathering causes a tremendous disease and economic burden on governorates that pilgrims pass through to attend this mass gathering in Karbala. Although Iraq?s Ministry of Health is aware of the high burden of this mass gathering on the health facilities in these governorates, more work is needed to ensure quality services during the event. UR - https://publichealth.jmir.org/2019/4/e10917 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/10917 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31621637 ID - info:doi/10.2196/10917 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lami, Faris AU - Radhi, Firas AU - Al Dahhan, Safauldeen AU - Hashim, Adel Rana AU - Mahmood, Hussein AU - Araj, Rawan AU - Arbaji, Ali PY - 2019/10/9 TI - Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Food Handlers on Food Safety and Personal Hygiene During Arbaeenia Mass Gathering, Baghdad, Iraq, 2014: Cross-Sectional Study JO - JMIR Public Health Surveill SP - e10922 VL - 5 IS - 4 KW - food KW - hygiene KW - knowledge KW - attitudes KW - Iraq N2 - Background: Millions of pilgrims attend Arbaeenia mass gathering (MG) in Iraq each year. Thousands of individuals work voluntarily at temporary rest areas (locally called Mawakib), distributed in most of Iraq governorates, to provide food and other services to the MG attendees. The potential for improper handling of food at Mawakib increases the risk of waterborne and foodborne diseases. Objective: This study was aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of food handlers in Mawakibs in Baghdad city during Arbaeenia MG. Methods: A random sample of 100 Mawakibs was selected in Baghdad, 50 from the eastern side (Rusafa) and 50 from the western side (Kerkh), and five food handlers were randomly selected from each Mawakib. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic data and KAP for food safety and personal hygiene. The questionnaire included 25 questions addressing knowledge, 10 addressing attitudes, and 14 addressing practices of the food handlers with respect to food safety and personal hygiene. Questions on knowledge and attitudes were answered through direct interview with the food handlers, whereas the questions on practices were answered through direct observation while handling or serving the food. SPSS version 20 (IBM SPSS Statistics 20) was used for data analysis and describing proportions. Results: There was a varied knowledge of food safety practices among the individuals interviewed. On a scale of 3, the overall average score for both the attitude and practices for food safety and personal hygiene was 2, which corresponds to fair attitude and practices. The attitudes varied significantly by location, age group, and education, whereas the practices varied by location, age groups, employment, and previous experiences. Conclusions: The food handlers had unsatisfactory attitudes and practices toward food handling and personal hygiene. Their participation in food handling at Mawakib carries a potential risk of spreading foodborne and waterborne diseases. All individuals intending to serve in Mawakib as food handlers should be licensed from the Ministry of Health after completing a formal training in food safety and personal hygiene. UR - https://publichealth.jmir.org/2019/4/e10922 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/10922 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31599735 ID - info:doi/10.2196/10922 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lami, Faris AU - Asi, Wejdan AU - Khistawi, Adnan AU - Jawad, Iman PY - 2019/10/7 TI - Syndromic Surveillance of Communicable Diseases in Mobile Clinics During the Arbaeenia Mass Gathering in Wassit Governorate, Iraq, in 2014: Cross-Sectional Study JO - JMIR Public Health Surveill SP - e10920 VL - 5 IS - 4 KW - Arbaeenia KW - mass gathering KW - syndromic surveillance KW - communicable diseases KW - Iraq N2 - Background: Arbaeenia is the largest religious mass gathering organized annually in Karbala city, Iraq, and is attended by 8-14 million people. Outbreaks of communicable diseases are a significant risk due to overcrowding and potential food and water contamination. Syndromic surveillance is often used for rapid detection and response to disease outbreaks. Objective: This study was conducted to identify the main communicable diseases syndromes among pilgrims during the Arbaeenia mass gathering in Wassit governorate, Iraq, in 2014. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the 40 mobile clinics established within Wassit governorates along the road to Karbala during the Arbaeenia mass gathering. Six communicable disease syndromes were selected: acute watery diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever and cough, vomiting with or without diarrhea, fever and bleeding tendency, and fever and rash. A simple questionnaire was used to directly gather basic demographics and the syndromic diagnosis from the attendees. Results: A total of 87,865 patients attended the clinics during the 10-day period, with an average of 219 patients/clinic/day. Approximately 5% (3999) of the attendees had communicable diseases syndromes: of these, 1693 (42%) had fever and cough, 1144 (29%) had acute diarrhea, 1062 (27%) presented with vomiting with/without diarrhea, and 100 (2%) had bloody diarrhea. The distribution of the syndromes did not vary by age or gender. Stool specimen cultures for Vibrio cholerae performed for 120 patients with acute diarrhea were all negative. Conclusions: Syndromic surveillance was useful in determining the main communicable diseases encountered during the mass gathering. Expansion of this surveillance to other governorates and the use of mobile technology can help in timely detection and response to communicable disease outbreaks. UR - https://publichealth.jmir.org/2019/4/e10920 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/10920 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31593544 ID - info:doi/10.2196/10920 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lami, Faris AU - Hameed, Inam AU - Arbaji, Ali PY - 2019/10/4 TI - Assessment of Temporary Community-Based Health Care Facilities During Arbaeenia Mass Gathering at Karbala, Iraq: Cross-Sectional Survey Study JO - JMIR Public Health Surveill SP - e10905 VL - 5 IS - 4 KW - Arbaeenia mass gathering KW - community-based health care KW - Iraq N2 - Background: Arbaeenia mass gathering (MG) in Karbala, Iraq, is becoming one of the largest MGs in the world. The health care infrastructure in Iraq is inadequately prepared to serve the health needs of the millions of pilgrims. Objective: This study aimed to describe the temporary health care facilities installed and run by the local community to provide health care services to Arbaeenia pilgrims in Karbala, Iraq. Methods: A survey was conducted in all community-based health care facilities located along part of Najaf to Karbala road within Karbala governorate. A structured questionnaire was answered through an interview with the workers and direct observation. Data were collected on staff profile, type of services provided, use of basic infection control measures, medical equipment, drugs and supplies, and the most commonly encountered medical problems. Results: The total number of health care facilities was 120, staffed by 659 workers. Only 18 (15.0%, 18/120) facilities were licensed, and 44.1% (53/120) of the workers were health professionals. The health care workers provided different services including dispensing drugs (370/1692, 21.87%), measuring blood pressure and blood sugar (350/1692, 20.69%), and caring for wounds and injuries (319/1692, 18.85%). Around 97% (116/120) health facilities provided services for musculoskeletal disorders and only 16.7% (20/120) provided services for injuries. The drugs available in the clinic were analgesics, drugs for gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, and antibiotics, with an availability range of 13.3% to 100.0%. Infection control practices for individual protection, environmental sanitation, and medical waste disposal were available in a range of 18.1% to 100.0%. Conclusions: Community-based health care facilities experienced a profound shortage of trained human resources and medical supplies. They can significantly contribute to health services if they are adequately equipped and follow standardized operation procedures. UR - https://publichealth.jmir.org/2019/4/e10905 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/10905 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31588911 ID - info:doi/10.2196/10905 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lami, Faris AU - Jewad, Wahhab Abdul AU - Hassan, Abulameer AU - Kadhim, Hadeel AU - Alharis, Sura PY - 2019/9/30 TI - Noncommunicable Disease Emergencies During Arbaeenia Mass Gathering at Public Hospitals in Karbala, Najaf, and Babel Governorates, Iraq, 2014: Cross-Sectional Study JO - JMIR Public Health Surveill SP - e10890 VL - 5 IS - 3 KW - mass gathering KW - Iraq KW - noncommunicable diseases N2 - Background: Arbaeenia is the largest religious mass gathering (MG) in Iraq where millions of people from Iraq and many other countries visit Karbala city, south Iraq. MGs are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality from different noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and asthma. There is a scarcity of publications that address MGs in Iraq. Objective: This study aimed to explore the NCD emergencies in public hospitals in Karbala, Najaf, and Babel governorates in Iraq, during the Arbaeenia MG and assess predisposing factors for NCD emergencies. Methods: The study was conducted from November 27 to December 16, 2014. Data were collected in the pre-event and during MG event from 7 selected hospitals. The pre-event data were collected from emergency room (ER) registers and logbooks, and the data on the MG event were collected daily through direct interview with patients and treating physicians using a structured questionnaire. Results: In total, 4425 NCD emergencies were recorded. Of these, 80.13% (3546/4425) were collected during the MG event. The NCD emergencies attended at ER hospitals during MG were severe hypertension (HT), diabetes (hyperglycemia), ischemic heart disease (IHD), asthma, and pulmonary edema. The load of NCD emergencies and the daily average emergencies increased 4-fold and 2-fold during the MG event, respectively. Most of the NCD emergencies were treated at ER departments, and a few were hospitalized. Intense physical activities and poor adherence to diet and medication were risk factors for IHD, severe HT, and hyperglycemic diabetes emergencies. Exposure to noxious gases or fumes and recent respiratory infections were risk factors for asthma emergencies. Conclusions: As the pilgrims approached Karbala city during the Arbaeenia MG, the hospitals on the roads leading to the city experienced an increased load of patients because of different NCD emergencies. Although hospitals should be equipped with the necessary supplies, health education for pilgrims is mandatory, particularly on the factors that can exacerbate their diseases. UR - http://publichealth.jmir.org/2019/3/e10890/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/10890 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31573917 ID - info:doi/10.2196/10890 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lami, Faris AU - Ali, Abdalkader Ali AU - Fathullah, Kareem AU - Abdullatif, Hana PY - 2019/9/26 TI - Assessment of Temporary Medical Clinics During the Arbaeenia Mass Gathering at Al-Karkh, Baghdad, Iraq, in 2014: Cross-Sectional Study JO - JMIR Public Health Surveill SP - e10903 VL - 5 IS - 3 KW - medical staff KW - medical services KW - mass gathering KW - Iraq N2 - Background: During mass gatherings, public health services and other medical services should be planned to protect attendees and people living around the venue to minimize the risk of disease transmission. These services are essential components of adequate planning for mass gatherings. The Arbaeenia mass gathering signifies the remembrance of the death of Imam Hussain, celebrated by Shiite Muslims, and takes place in Karbala, which is a city in southern Iraq. This annual mass gathering is attended by millions of people from within and outside Iraq. Objective: This study aimed to map the availability of medical supplies, equipment, and instruments and the health workforce at the temporary clinics located in Al-Karkh, Baghdad, Iraq, in 2014. Methods: This assessment was conducted on the temporary clinics that served the masses walking from Baghdad to Karbala. These clinics were set up by governmental and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and some faith-based civil society organizations, locally known as mawakib. We developed a checklist to collect information on clinic location, affiliation, availability of safe water and electricity, health personnel, availability of basic medical equipment and instruments, drugs and other supplies, and average daily number of patients seen by the clinic. Results: A total of 30 temporary clinics were assessed: 18 clinics were set up by the Ministry of Health of Iraq and 12 by other governmental organizations and NGOs. The clinics were staffed by a total of 44 health care workers. The health workers served 16,205 persons per day, an average of 540 persons per clinic, and 368 persons per health care worker per day. The majority of clinics (63% [19/30]-100% [30/30]) had basic medical diagnostic equipment. Almost all clinics had symptom relief medications (87% [26/30]-100% [30/30]). Drugs for diabetes and hypertension were available in almost half of the clinics. The majority of clinics had personal hygiene supplies and environmental sanitation detergents (78%-90%), and approximately half of the clinics had medical waste disposal supplies. Instruments for cleansing and dressing wounds and injuries were available in almost all clinics (97%), but only 4 clinics had surgical sterilization instruments. Conclusions: Although temporary clinics were relatively equipped with basic medical supplies, equipment, and instruments for personal medical services, the health workforce was insufficient, given the number of individuals seeking care, and only limited public health service, personal infection control, and supplies were available at the clinics. UR - https://publichealth.jmir.org/2019/3/e10903 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/10903 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31573925 ID - info:doi/10.2196/10903 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Alqahtani, S. Amani AU - Tashani, Mohamed AU - Heywood, E. Anita AU - Booy, Robert AU - Rashid, Harunor AU - Wiley, E. Kerrie PY - 2019/05/23 TI - Exploring Australian Hajj Tour Operators? Knowledge and Practices Regarding Pilgrims? Health Risks: A Qualitative Study JO - JMIR Public Health Surveill SP - e10960 VL - 5 IS - 2 KW - Hajj KW - health advice KW - mass gathering KW - travel agents KW - travel KW - respiratory infections N2 - Background: Travel agents are known to be one of the main sources of health information for pilgrims, and their advice is associated with positive health behaviors. Objective: This study aimed to investigate travel agents? health knowledge, what health advice they provide to the pilgrims, and their sources of health information. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted among specialist Hajj travel agents in Sydney, Australia. Thematic analysis was undertaken. Results: Of the 13 accredited Hajj travel agents, 9 (69%) were interviewed. A high level of awareness regarding gastrointestinal infections, standard hygiene methods, and the risk of injury was noted among the participants and was included in advice provided to pilgrims. However, very limited knowledge and provision of advice about the risk of respiratory infections was identified. Knowledge of the compulsory meningococcal vaccine was high, and all participated travel agents reported influenza vaccine (a recommended vaccine) as a second ?compulsory? vaccine for Hajj visas. Conversely, participants reported very limited knowledge about other recommended vaccines for Hajj. The Ministry of Hajj website and personal Hajj experience were the main sources of information. Conclusions: This study identifies a potential path for novel health promotion strategies to improve health knowledge among Hajj travel agents and subsequently among Hajj pilgrims. UR - http://publichealth.jmir.org/2019/2/e10960/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/10960 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31124464 ID - info:doi/10.2196/10960 ER - TY - JOUR AU - El-Khatib, Ziad AU - Taus, Karin AU - Richter, Lukas AU - Allerberger, Franz AU - Schmid, Daniela PY - 2019/02/27 TI - A Syndrome-Based Surveillance System for Infectious Diseases Among Asylum Seekers in Austrian Reception Centers, 2015-2018: Analysis of Reported Data JO - JMIR Public Health Surveill SP - e11465 VL - 5 IS - 1 KW - Austria KW - refugee health KW - asylum seekers KW - syndrome surveillance system KW - mass health monitoring KW - refugees KW - population surveillance KW - public health surveillance KW - epidemiological monitoring N2 - Background: Austria has been among the main European countries hosting incoming asylum seekers since 2015. Consequently, there was an urgent need to predict any public health threats associated with the arriving asylum seekers. The Department of Surveillance and Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) was mandated to implement a national syndrome-based surveillance system in the 7 reception centers by the Austrian Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Health. Objective: We aimed to analyze the occurrence and spread of infectious diseases among asylum seekers using data reported by reception centers through the syndrome-based surveillance system from September 2015 through February 2018. Methods: We deployed a daily data collection system for 13 syndromes: rash with fever; rash without fever; acute upper respiratory tract infection; acute lower respiratory tract infection; meningitis or encephalitis; fever and bleeding; nonbloody gastroenteritis or watery diarrhea; bloody diarrhea; acute jaundice; skin, soft tissue, or bone abnormalities; acute flaccid paralysis; high fever with no other signs; and unexplained death. General practitioners, the first professionals to consult for health problems at reception centers in Austria, sent the tally sheets on identified syndromes daily to the AGES. Results: We identified a total of 2914 cases, presenting 8 of the 13 syndromes. A total of 405 signals were triggered, and 6.4% (26/405) of them generated alerts. Suspected acute upper respiratory tract infection (1470/2914, 50.45% of cases), rash without fever (1174/2914, 40.29% of cases), suspected acute lower respiratory tract infection (159/2914, 5.46% of cases), watery diarrhea (73/2914, 2.51% of cases), and skin, soft tissue, or bone abnormalities (32/2914, 1.10% of cases) were the top 5 syndromes. Conclusions: The cooperation of the AGES with reception center health care staff, supported by the 2 involved ministries, was shown to be useful for syndromic surveillance of infectious diseases among asylum seekers. None of the identified alerts escalated to an outbreak. UR - http://publichealth.jmir.org/2019/1/e11465/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/11465 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30810535 ID - info:doi/10.2196/11465 ER -