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With the help of 14 satellites currently in orbit and the National Aeronautics and Space Administrations (NASA) Applied Sciences Program, scientists have been able to observe the Earths environment to help predict and prevent infectious disease outbreaks around the world. The use of remote sensing technology aids specialists in predicting the outbreak of some of the most common and deadly infectious diseases today such as Ebola, West Nile virus and Rift Valley Fever. The ability of infectious diseases to thrive depends on changes in the Earths environment such as the climate, precipitation and vegetation of an area.
Through orbiting satellites, data is collected daily to monitor environmental changes. That information is then passed on to agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Defense who then apply the data to predict and track disease outbreaks and assist in making public health policy decisions. The use of this technology is not only essential for the future of curbing the spread of infectious diseases, explains John Haynes, public health program manager for the NASA 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 Earths atmosphere.
Remote sensing technology not only helps monitor infectious disease outbreaks in highly affected areas, but also provides information about possible plague-carrying vectors -- such as insects or rodents -- globally and within the U.S. The Four Corners region, which includes Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah, is a highly susceptible area for plague and Hanta virus outbreaks, and by understanding the mixture of vegetation, rainfall and slope of the area, scientists can predict the food supply of disease transmitting vectors within the region and the threat they cause to humans. Because plague is also cons
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| Contact: Jennifer Bender jbender@environics-usa.com 203-325-8772 American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Source:Eurekalert |
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