Use of unstructured event-based reports for global infectious disease surveillance.

摘要: Free or low-cost sources of unstructured information, such as Internet news and online discussion sites, provide detailed local near real-time data on disease outbreaks, even in countries that lack traditional public health surveillance. To improve surveillance and, ultimately, interventions, we examined 3 primary systems process event-based outbreak information: Global Public Health Intelligence Network, HealthMap, EpiSPIDER. Despite similarities among them, these are highly complementary because they monitor different types, rely varying levels automation human analysis, distribute distinct information. Future development should focus linking more closely to practitioners the field establishing collaborative networks for alert verification dissemination. Such would further establish monitoring an invaluable resource provides critical context alternative indicator-based reporting.