A real-time platform for monitoring schistosomiasis transmission supported by Google Earth and a web-based geographical information system.
A basic framework for the rapid assessment of the risk for schistosomiasis was developed by combining spatial data from Google Earth® with a geographical information system (GIS) package, bundling the modules together with an Internet connection into a WebGIS platform. It operates through functions such as "search", "evaluation", "risk analysis" and "prediction" and is primarily aimed to be a dynamic, early-warning system (EWS) providing user-friendly, evidence-based, near real-time awareness of the status of an important endemic disease. It contributes to rapid information-sharing at all levels of decision-making, facilitating "point-of-care" response, i.e. treatment provided at newly discovered transmission sites. The experience using the platform is encouraging and it has the potential to improve support systems and strengthen schistosomiasis control activities, in particular with regard to surveillance and EWS. It can quickly and intuitively locate early, high-risk areas, retrieve all important data needed as well as provide detailed, up-to-date information on the performance of the control programme. This WebGIS, the first of its kind in the People's Republic of China, is not only applicable for schistosomiasis but can easily be adapted for improving control of any endemic disease in any geographical area.
Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, People's Republic of China.
Kun
K
Yang
Le-Ping
LP
Sun
Yi-Xin
YX
Huang
Guo-Jing
GJ
Yang
Feng
F
Wu
De-Rong
DR
Hang
Wei
W
Li
Jian-Feng
JF
Zhang
Yong-Sheng
YS
Liang
Xiao-Nong
XN
Zhou
D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003199:Computer Systems; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011634:Public Health / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*