Tracking the spread of disease is getting easier, thanks to a health app developed in Huron County.
The web-based app Episense allows users to see which illnesses and spreading in a given area of Ontario, similar to a weather app.
Currently, the app tracks RSV, Measles, Influenza A, Influenza B, COVID-19, and Rhinovirus.
Mathematical epidemiologist Chapin Korosec is the brains behind how Episense gathers information about disease, and tracks it across Ontario.
“No one has designed a service with the average household person in mind, who wants the data,” Korosec tells Bayshore Broadcasting News.
The app’s External Relations Lead, Michael Daley, says there has already been interest from local governments.
“We’ve already had interest there. Toronto Public Health reached out to us to see if we would be interested in pursuing some sort of partnership with them,” Daley says.
While Episense currently tracks Ontario health data, Korosec says they are hoping to expand.
“The idea is that, as we build momentum, we want to expand to different provinces, and then all of Canada within a year,” Korosec tells us.
“Then, we have our eyes set on multiple countries.”
While there is a fee to use Episense, Korosec says a weekly newsletter offers local and regional health trends in Ontario for no cost.