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Public health doctors are apparently "hopeless" at using traditional media (BMJ 2003;327(7422):1056); it's probable that their use of new media is even worse. WhoIsSick have come up with the idea to use Google Maps to track illnesses in local communities. Perhaps this is something that public health physicians should explore as a means to both inform populations about disease patterns and for encouraging their participation in reporting?

There is no need to register with WhoIsSick (as of this writing). To post a sickness anonymously you enter your city (or ZIP code; UK postcodes work too) and detail how many days since the onset of your symptoms; the symptoms you are experiencing; your age; your sex; and additional details (optional):

Enter the details of your sickness

Make sure to include all your symptoms!

Posting this will get you added to the map, with a colour-coded disc to indicate certain common symptoms:

Red for "Runny nose" linked to a UK postcode

In the search tab you can look for specific symptoms in a specific location within a specific timeframe, narrowed by sex or age:

Filter results according to your epidemiological interest

In terms of reporting the site offers a number of features:

• Receive outbreak alerts by e-mail;
• Percentage breakdown of symptoms (in a pie chart);
• A graph of no. of cases against timing of sickness (potentially indicating onset of an epidemic or recovery!);
• A tag cloud for filtering results on a per-symptom basis.

Statistics may offer comfort in knowing you're not suffering alone

Imagine the consumer power that could be brought to bear if local residents could stick a placemark on a Google Map to indicate a restaurant they feel sure gave them Campylobacter food poisoning. The mere thought would make restauranteurs nervous. It's hard to envisage that reporting runny noses will change the spread of colds, but such a service might usefully track confirmed notifiable diseases or even aid in their early detection. For example, a similar site run by public health physicians might offer a symptom check list geared towards a current concern, such as typhoid. Members of the public could use this to allay (or heighten) their anxiety during an outbreak, and be presented with advice on what to look out for and when they should seek medical attention.

A disclaimer is appropriately included on WhoIsSick:

WhoIsSick is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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