In collaboration with the Institut National de la Santé et de
la Recherche Médicale, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed
an Internet application linking the global WHO network of influenza centers
(FluNet; http://oms.b3e.jussieu.fr/flunet/). During 1997, 22 pilot
centers entered data on influenza activity and viral laboratory results directly
into FluNet via secured access. In addition, 54 centers sent data to WHO for
entry. Four countries (the Russian Federation, Romania, Sweden, and the United
Kingdom) reported widespread outbreaks of at least 4 weeks' duration. The
FluNet server ran 24 hours a day without interruption. To improve management
and enhance standardization of reporting, this early-alert system for the
global monitoring of influenza provides international and national authorities,
the public, and the media with full access to real-time epidemiological and
virological information.