Internet-based surveillance systems for monitoring emerging infectious diseases

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

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

220 Citations (Scopus)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)160-168
Number of pages9
JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases
Volume14
Issue number2
Early online date28 Nov 2013
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2014
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases

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