Internet-based surveillance systems for monitoring emerging infectious diseases

Gabriel J Milinovich, Gail M Williams, Archie C A Clements, Wenbiao Hu, Gabriel J Milinovich, Gail M Williams, Archie C A Clements, Wenbiao Hu

Abstract

Emerging infectious diseases present a complex challenge to public health officials and governments; these challenges have been compounded by rapidly shifting patterns of human behaviour and globalisation. The increase in emerging infectious diseases has led to calls for new technologies and approaches for detection, tracking, reporting, and response. Internet-based surveillance systems offer a novel and developing means of monitoring conditions of public health concern, including emerging infectious diseases. We review studies that have exploited internet use and search trends to monitor two such diseases: influenza and dengue. Internet-based surveillance systems have good congruence with traditional surveillance approaches. Additionally, internet-based approaches are logistically and economically appealing. However, they do not have the capacity to replace traditional surveillance systems; they should not be viewed as an alternative, but rather an extension. Future research should focus on using data generated through internet-based surveillance and response systems to bolster the capacity of traditional surveillance systems for emerging infectious diseases.

Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Internet access in resource-rich and resource-poor countries Data taken from the International Telecommunications Union.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Proportions of the population assessable by traditional and internet-based surveillance systems during an influenza epidemic in high-income and low-income countries Light blue sections correspond with fractions visible to internet-based surveillance systems in high-income countries, dark blue corresponds to low-income countries. Red sections indicate background noise. Grey sections indicate fractions not visible to internet-based surveillance systems. Adapted from Watson and Pebody.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Percentage of population who use the internet, by country 2012 data were used for all countries, except the British Virgin Islands (2010).

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