German scientists from the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) in Braunschweig and Nigerian researchers are applying the new mobile information system for the first time to combat a monkeypox outbreak in Nigeria. The monkeypox epidemic has spread since September 2017 and, by now, afflicts 128 patients in 14 federal states in Nigeria. The name of the system, SORMAS, stands for "Surveillance, Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System". It captures and analyses data upon the outbreak of dangerous infectious diseases, recognises potential hazards and manages necessary control measures at an early point in time. In line with the technological status of West African countries, the system is based mainly on mobile tablets or phones. It allows laboratories and hospitals to network with each other and to exchange epidemiological data in real-time.
Johanna Wanka, German Federal Minister of Research, said: "The dramatic experience of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa has made it very clear that the national and international emergency planning for epidemics of this type was insufficient. SORMAS shows, in an exemplary manner, how German research contributes to solutions for the global health challenges of our times. We need these rapid-response epidemic management systems in order to be able to combat the spread of hazardous pathogens throughout the world more rapidly and to be able to prevent possible pandemics."
The development of SORMAS is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research, the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the German Center for Infection Research. "SORMAS works even in remote places without a mobile phone network. As soon as there is an intermittent network connection, the data are synchronised centrally. This allows the epidemic protection measures to be directed with little time delay," Prof Gérard Krause explains. He is the director of the SORMAS project at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and coordinator of the “Translational Infrastructure Epidemiology” within DZIF.
In most African countries, disease monitoring is not set up for early detection of the outbreak of such an uncommon disease. The current use of SORMAS in Nigeria is very promising: the system improved the data situation significantly within just a few days. For example, SORMAS uses network diagrams to show transmission pathways and automatically displays the geographic distribution on maps. The director of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, Dr Ihekweazu, is convinced of the added value provided by the system and hopes to soon be able to use SORMAS nationwide and permanently in Nigeria. "We would like to use SORMAS during the imminent meningitis season, because we urgently need to improve the data situation." In addition, nine other diseases with a high epidemic potential in Nigeria will also be covered, including Lassa fever, measles and cholera.
Video
Gérard Krause explains fighting epidemics by the use of the SORMAS app: https://youtu.be/qD_7nwBmfaQ
Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research
Scientists at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig, Germany, are engaged in the study of different mechanisms of infection and of the body’s response to infection. Helping to improve the scientific community’s understanding of a given bacterium’s or virus’ pathogenicity is key to developing effective new treatments and vaccines.
German Center for Infection Research
At the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), about 500 scientists from 35 institutions nationwide jointly develop new approaches for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Their aim is to translate research results into clinical practice rapidly and effectively. With this, the DZIF paves the way for developing new vaccines, diagnostics and drugs in the fight against infections.
Contact
Susanne Thiele, Press Officer
E-Mail: susanne.thiele(at)helmholtz-hzi.de
Dr Andreas Fischer, Editor
E-Mail: andreas.fischer(at)helmholtz-hzi.de
Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research
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