Texas Syndromic Surveillance (TxS2) (NEW)

In April 2011, DSHS conducted a survey of existing syndromic surveillance systems in Texas and found that at least six different analysis systems were being used in various parts of the state, and no data was shared between them. In October 2019, there were three syndromic surveillance systems in Texas: the North Texas Syndromic Surveillance System (NTXSS) hosted by Tarrant County Public Health covering PHR 2/3, a system hosted by Houston Health Department covering PHR 6/5S, and then the TxS2 system. NTXSS was fully incorporated into TxS2, and the Houston Health Department system is working with the TxS2 program to integrate their data fully. The former Texas Association of Local Health Officials (TALHO) syndromic surveillance system was fully incorporated into TxS2 and no longer exists.
 

Goals and Objectives

1. Implement, configure, and test the information technology (IT) infrastructure for TxS2.
2. Develop and execute Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for data providers to submit data into TxS2 and for LHDs and data providers to access the data in TxS2.
3. Conduct user training on TxS2 for data providers, LHDs, DSHS PHRs, and DSHS central office staff.
4. Onboard data providers that have emergency departments, urgent care centers, free-standing emergency centers, and an Electronic Health Record (EHRs to achieve ongoing data submission into TxS2.
5. Monitor data submission into TxS2 by data providers to ensure stable connectivity and receipt of TxS2 data sources.
6. Monitor usage of TxS2 by data providers, LHDs, DSHS PHRs, and DSHS central office staff to determine if additional training and data feeds are necessary.