September 2021

New NNDSS Data Processing Functions and Enhancements Now Available

On August 14, 2021, the CDC NNDSS team released new key data processing functions and enhancements to MVPS.

Public health reporting jurisdictions and participating CDC programs can now look into the data processing “black box” for the first time and review data submitted to CDC. The enhancements:

• Automate processing of all NNDSS data streams in MVPS. In addition to HL7 case notifications, MVPS can be used to track processing of case notifications sent using legacy HL7, NEDSS Base System (NBS) Master Message, and National Electronic Telecommunications System for Surveillance (NETSS) files.
• Allow greater transparency of transactions for the four case notification types, providing easier troubleshooting on data receipt and processing.
• Make MVPS the source for weekly and annual NNDSS publication.
• Provide new user interface functionalities that will make it easier for public health jurisdictions and CDC programs to review messages, errors and warnings, and case counts; delete cases or groups of cases (jurisdiction users); and verify cases for low incidence conditions before publication.

Learn more about these new features and enhancements in the August 10, 2021 NNDSS eSHARE webinar archive or see the News You Can Use section for information about open forum learning sessions.

These new features and enhancements support the CDC Data Modernization Initiative to improve timeliness and quality of data, better coordinate data activities and systems, and reduce burden on data partners.

If you experience any issues with the system or have questions about the new functionalities, please email the CDC Electronic Data Exchange mailbox at edx@cdc.gov with the subject line “MVPS features.”

New 2021 COVID-19 Case Definition

On June 17, 2021, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) approved position statement 21-ID-01 titled “Update to the standardized surveillance case definition and national notification for 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).” For COVID-19 cases identified beginning September 1, 2021, jurisdictions should use the case definition approved on June 17, 2021, in position statement 21-ID-01. Jurisdictions should not retroactively change the classification of cases reported prior to September 1, 2021.

The new 2021 COVID-19 case definition:

• updates clinical criteria indicative of infection;
• refines and expands laboratory criteria to include genomic sequencing;
• updates epidemiologic linkage criteria and the definition of a close contact;
• acknowledges testing performed in non-traditional settings such as work sites, temporary testing sites, and homes;
• specifies criteria for enumerating new cases in persons previously classified as a probable or confirmed case (i.e., reinfections); and
• clarifies that a case meeting clinical criteria and epidemiologic linkage with no confirmatory or presumptive laboratory evidence for SARS-CoV-2 is classified as probable.

Learn more about the new 2021 case definition.

September Topic: Improvements to the HL7 MMG Onboarding Process

Mark your calendar for the next NNDSS eSHARE session, scheduled for Tuesday, September 21, 2021, from 3:00-4:00 PM ET.

The Data Standardization and Assistance Team will outline updates to the onboarding process with the intent to fully adopt in January 2022. This streamlined process aims to clarify steps, expectations, roles and responsibilities, and timelines to reduce overall onboarding time.

To join a webinar, please see your Outlook invitation or contact the CDC Electronic Data Exchange mailbox at edx@cdc.gov for login information.