July/August 2023

CDC launches landscape assessment for core case data

As part of ongoing case surveillance modernization efforts, CDC is working with MITRE to better understand the unique challenges and barriers jurisdictions face when sending core data as defined by the Gen v2 Message Mapping Guide.

As a first step, CDC, with support from MITRE, has launched listening sessions to:

• Understand where gaps in Gen v2 onboarding exist
• Identify themes across jurisdictions that could inform broader approaches (e.g., technical assistance models, data formats)
• Provide improved access to more timely case notification data to inform public health decisions, especially for emergency response efforts

CDC invited select jurisdictions to participate, and MITRE is following up by scheduling listening sessions.

The results from the assessment, slated to be completed by December 2023, will help CDC address key barriers related to staffing, processes, and technology. The aim is to help jurisdictions accelerate onboarding data defined in the Gen v2 MMG.

For more information about the CDC/MITRE landscape assessment and other projects, see the eSHARE training webinar archive for June 20, 2023. For further questions, contact edx@cdc.gov with the subject line “MITRE landscape analysis.”

CDC to begin processing rubella as a low-incidence condition 

As of July 7, 2023, CDC will process rubella (event code=10200)* as condition requiring low-incidence verification. This change is effective for cases reported with MMWR Year 2023 or later. CDC has updated the 2023 NNDSS Event Code list, Release 4, to reflect this change. CDC is also making this change in a job aid for verifying low-incidence cases.

Rubella, also known as German Measles or Three-Day Measles, is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Cases with reported MMWR Year 2023 or later, submitted to NNDSS on or after July 7, 2023, will not be considered for publication until both the jurisdiction and CDC program subject matter experts  provide a response in the low-incidence verification module of the Message Validation, Processing, and Provisioning System (MVPS) portal.

CDC will include rubella cases in weekly and annual NNDSS tables if the cases have been approved by the jurisdiction in the MVPS portal and meet the following print criteria:

• Condition is reportable by the jurisdiction in the year it was reported
• Case meets the case classification status standards for publication in the NNDSS tables

Cases that meet the criteria will be displayed in the MVPS “Low Incidence” section.

If a jurisdiction has already sent 2023 rubella cases to CDC, CDC will publish these cases if they meet the print criteria.

If a jurisdiction updates 2023 rubella cases they have already sent to CDC, CDC will not include the updated cases in weekly NNDSS tables until the updated cases finish the verification process.

*This update does not affect Rubella, Congenital Syndrome (event code=10370). This condition is currently a low-incidence verification condition and will continue to process as such.

CDC will hold the next eSHARE webinar, titled “Building Blocks for the Data Modernization Initiative,” on August 22, 2023, 3:00–4:00 PM ET.

To join an eSHARE webinar, please see your calendar invitation or contact edx@cdc.gov for login information with the subject line “eSHARE invitation.