Surveillance for sCAP began in December 2008, prior to the 2009 H1N1 influenza A pandemic. Six facilities representing all areas of the state, both rural and metropolitan were included. The website, www.kyflu.net was developed for study coordination. From December 1, 2008, through August 2011, 458 cases of sCAP were identified. There were multiple areas of specialcause variance on the SPC charts, though there were no unusual clusters upon spatial evaluation of the maps. The most common virus identified in patients with sCAP was rhinovirus (n039, 20%), followed by 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus (n034, 18%). These viruses were cultured in chicken eggs, genetically analyzed and further studied in mouse and ferret models to determine viral evolution and virulence mechanisms. One influenza virus was found to be hypervirulent compared to other strains.