A local health jurisdiction shall:

1. (1) Maintain a surveillance system for influenza during the influenza season which may include:

   1. (a) Monitoring of excess school absenteeism;
   2. (b) Requesting information from health care providers and health care facilities regarding influenza-like illnesses; and
   3. (c) Monitoring workplace absenteeism and other mechanisms.
2. (2) Request submission of appropriate clinical specimens from a sample of patients with influenza-like illness to the Washington state public health laboratories or other laboratory approved by the state health officer.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. WSR 21-11-040 and 22-01-175, § 246-101-525, filed 5/12/21 and 12/17/21, effective 1/1/23; WSR 00-23-120, § 246-101-525, filed 11/22/00, effective 12/23/00.]