"Quick reporting by several physicians, all acting independently, allows public health authorities to promptly recognize a pattern and take the necessary action to contain the disease …" said Dr. Lawrence Ward, a Temple University assistant professor of medicine.

Ward led a study that found simple and cost efficient methods such as e-mail reminders and an informational Web site significantly increased spontaneous reporting by physicians.

"Currently, few physicians report diseases to public health authorities," he said. "Clinical medicine and public health were once integral partners in maintaining health," he added. "Unfortunately, we have gotten away from that and with the emergence of new diseases over the last few years, we have been reminded of the need to work together and understand each other better.

"Our study highlighted one way we can do that, since the underreporting of diseases could lead to misplaced resources that might be sorely needed elsewhere."

The study is reported in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice.