PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 7 Medical scientists plan to use 14 Earth-orbiting satellites and the U.S. space agency's applied science program to help predict and prevent pandemics.
Since the ability of infectious diseases to thrive depends upon changes in the Earth's climate, precipitation and vegetation, the use of remote sensing technology can aid scientists in predicting the outbreak of some of the most common and deadly infectious diseases, such as Ebola, West Nile virus and Rift Valley Fever.
Researchers said the satellites can collect data on a daily basis, with the information sent to agencies such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There, experts can use the data to predict and track disease outbreaks.
"The use of this technology is
essential for the future of curbing the spread of infectious diseases," said John Haynes, public health program manager for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Earth Science Applied Sciences Program. "NASA satellites are also a cost-effective method for operational agencies, since they are already in orbit and in use by scientists to collect data about the Earth's atmosphere."
The project was outlined this week in Philadelphia during the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene's annual meeting.
Copyright 2007 by UPI
