Sentinel sites

What is a C-EnterNet sentinel site?

A sentinel site is a community from which in-depth data are gathered and the resulting analysis is used to inform programs and policies affecting a larger geographic area. The concentration of resources in defined geographical areas produces a rich source of information that would be cost-prohibitive if implemented on a national scale. Sentinel sites generate results that are representative of the broader population, which makes C-EnterNet's approach very effective and highly cost-efficient.

C-EnterNet’s sentinel surveillance system currently includes two reporting sites: the Region of Waterloo, Ontario, and the Fraser Health Region, British Columbia. These sentinel sites are made up of integrated local networks of public health units, public health and private laboratories, farms, retail food outlets and sources of drinking water. Information about pathogens that cause enteric illness (those that affect the intestines) that are found in those environments is gathered and analyzed by C-EnterNet to better understand the links between these enteric pathogens and illness.

How does C-EnterNet choose its sentinel sites?

Each of C-EnterNet's sentinel sites includes Canadian communities that are serviced by at least one public health unit. Systematic data collection and analysis in each site includes enhanced surveillance of the enteric human pathogens in coordination with active sampling for pathogens in potential sources such as: (a) retail foods, (b) agriculture operations, and (c) local water sources. Integration of these activities and collaboration within the sites with various stakeholders is critical to the success of the surveillance program.

Canadian public health regions that meet specific criteria may be selected as sentinel sites. Criteria established by the C-EnterNet team and endorsed by its 37-member scientific advisory committee include:

• a population of 300,000 to 1,000,000 residents;
• an urban/rural mix representative of major geographic areas of Canada;
• private and public health laboratory capacity;
• innovation in local public health and water services; and
• willingness to participate.

C-EnterNet’s sentinel sites

Sentinel Site 1: Region of Waterloo, Ontario

Surveillance activities began in C-EnterNet’s pilot sentinel site in 2005. Those activities helped C-EnterNet develop a model for the sentinel surveillance program.

The Region of Waterloo is located in Southern Ontario in the centre of the triangle formed by three Great Lakes: Ontario, Erie and Huron. Three urban municipalities—Cambridge , Kitchener and Waterloo —and four rural townships—North Dumfries , Wellesley , Wilmot and Woolwich —make up Waterloo Region.

Further information can be found at: Region of Waterloo Public Health

Sentinel Site 2: Fraser Health Region, British Columbia

C-EnterNet’s second sentinel site is located in the Fraser Health Region on British Columbia’s southern mainland. The site comprises the communities of Burnaby , Abbotsford and Chilliwack

Further information can be found at: Fraser Health