The year 2002 marked the largest outbreak to date in the world as the virus rapidly spread across the U.S. Maricopa County has been spared the burden of widespread WNV-illness thus far, however the area is home to a viable mosquito population, many species of migratory birds and a large human populace with a propensity for outdoor activities making arrival of the virus inevitable and advanced preparations invaluable.

A descriptive report of invasive Haemophilus influenzae cases as reported to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. The purpose of this report is twofold: first to define the illness and its trends in Maricopa County during this time period and second to identify potential areas of improvement in data quality.

This study provides useful information for the Office of Epidemiology on reporting, investigating, and data completeness. Reporting of cases occurred ≥ 3 days in about 50% of the cases, despite a 24 hour reporting mandate for cases or suspect cases. Data can be analyzed on a yearly basis using this study as a model. Future analyses can reassess the epidemiologic trends noted in this study and assess the effect of routine meningococcal vaccination in Maricopa County.

Maricopa County experiences exceptionally high temperatures that contributes to a high number of deaths. To track these deaths, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health created a novel and effective approach for surveillance of heat-associated deaths and has continued to use this system annually. The enhanced heat surveillance season usually begins in May and ends in October.