A new application was announced today that will allow you to see live maps of disease outbreak – right on your iPhone! The software, entitled “Outbreaks Near Me“, collects  real-time disease information from the internet, news sources and users, then displays that information on Google Maps.

The app integrates with Google Maps to show outbreaks

“People have their cell phones with them at all times, and especially in other parts of the world, cell phones are much more used than PCs,” Brownstein said. “Cell phones represent an extraordinary tool to provide location-based service. You can search for restaurants near you. Why not understand what is happening around you in public health?”

The application sounds like a useful tool for those worried about disease outbreak, however it remains to be seen whether this type of service is beneficial to the public or simply another means for hypochondriacs to fuel their anxiety.

Users can submit location based "Outbreak Reports" using the iPhone's GPS

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