EpiScanGIS: an online geographic surveillance system for meningococcal disease
2008

EpiScanGIS: A System for Tracking Meningococcal Disease

Sample size: 2900 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Reinhardt Markus, Elias Johannes, Albert Jürgen, Frosch Matthias, Harmsen Dag, Vogel Ulrich

Primary Institution: University of Würzburg, Germany

Conclusion

EpiScanGIS serves as a valuable tool for real-time laboratory surveillance of meningococcal disease in Germany and has the potential to be used as an early warning system.

Supporting Evidence

  • EpiScanGIS has over 2,900 cases of invasive meningococcal disease stored in its database.
  • The system allows for dynamic generation of animated maps to visualize disease spread.
  • EpiScanGIS is based on open source components, making it adaptable for other infectious agents.

Takeaway

EpiScanGIS is a computer program that helps track and visualize the spread of a serious illness called meningococcal disease, making it easier for health officials to respond quickly.

Methodology

The system uses a combination of geographic information systems (GIS) and automated cluster detection to visualize and analyze data on meningococcal disease.

Limitations

EpiScanGIS only accepts fully typed cases of meningococcal disease and does not currently allow for incidence calculations for specific fine types.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-072X-7-33

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