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Monitoring over-the-counter medication sales for early detection of disease outbreaks--New York City.

From: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report  |  Date: 8/26/2005  |  Author: Balter, S.; Das, Debjani; Hefferman, R.; Metzger, K.; Mostashari, F.; Weiss, D.

Abstract

Introduction: Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are frequently used during the initial phase of illness, and increases in their sales might serve as an early indicator of communitywide disease outbreaks. Since August 2002, the New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has tracked OTC medication sales to enhance detection of natural and intentional infectious disease outbreaks.

Objectives: This report describes the surveillance system and ...

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