Epidemiological Surveillance: historical roots, the United States of America, and São Paulo State experience in Brazil

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this narrative review is to list some historical aspects of the constitution of this technological intervention model originally designed to help control communicable diseases in the last century. Methods: It was builted from selected texts and the author’s experience, para registrar o desenvolvimento nos Estados Unidos e no estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Results: The origins of some of the actions that make up the repertoire of epidemiological surveillance are presented, as well as a brief history of the construction of the Center for Disease Control, a North American agency that is exemplar for the way surveillance is carried out in practically the entire word. Likewise, the paths that led to the organization of the surveillance system in the state of São Paulo are outlined, drawing some parallels with the national system. Conclusion: Finally, itconcludes with a conceptual differentiation between epidemiological surveillance, monitoring and health surveillance.