U.S.-Mexico Border Infectious Disease Surveillance Project

A binational public health initiative to monitor infectious diseases along the U.S.-Mexico border

The U.S.-Mexico Border Infectious Disease Surveillance Project (BIDS) is a collaborative public health initiative aimed at monitoring and controlling infectious diseases along the United States-Mexico border. This project involves multiple stakeholders, including health departments from both countries, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other public health organizations.

Background

The U.S.-Mexico border region is a unique area characterized by high population density, significant cross-border movement, and diverse socio-economic conditions. These factors contribute to the potential for the rapid spread of infectious diseases. The BIDS project was established to address these challenges by enhancing the capacity for disease surveillance and response in the border region.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the BIDS project are to:

• Strengthen the surveillance of infectious diseases that are of public health importance in the border region.
• Improve the capacity for early detection and response to disease outbreaks.
• Foster collaboration and communication between U.S. and Mexican health authorities.
• Enhance the sharing of epidemiological data and best practices across the border.

Key Activities

The BIDS project undertakes several key activities to achieve its objectives:

• Surveillance and Reporting: Establishing a robust system for the collection and analysis of data on infectious diseases. This includes the use of standardized case definitions and reporting protocols.

• Training and Capacity Building: Providing training for public health professionals in both countries to improve their skills in disease surveillance and outbreak response.

• Cross-Border Collaboration: Facilitating regular meetings and communication between U.S. and Mexican health officials to discuss ongoing surveillance activities and emerging health threats.

• Public Health Interventions: Implementing targeted interventions to control the spread of diseases, such as vaccination campaigns and public health education initiatives.

Diseases Monitored

The BIDS project focuses on a range of infectious diseases that are prevalent in the border region, including but not limited to:

• Tuberculosis
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Dengue fever
• Zika virus
• Chikungunya

Challenges

The BIDS project faces several challenges, including:

• Resource Limitations: Limited funding and resources can hinder the ability to conduct comprehensive surveillance and response activities.

• Data Sharing: Differences in data collection and reporting standards between the U.S. and Mexico can complicate the sharing of information.

• Political and Administrative Barriers: Navigating the complex political and administrative landscape of the border region can be challenging.

Impact

Since its inception, the BIDS project has made significant contributions to public health in the border region. It has improved the detection and response to infectious disease outbreaks and has fostered greater collaboration between U.S. and Mexican health authorities.

Related Pages

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Public health
• Infectious disease
• Epidemiology

Gallery

Map of the U.S.-Mexico border region