Swine flu on your iPhone

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If you want to know where the nearest outbreak of pandemic H1N1 influenza is, iTunes has just the app for you: ‘Outbreaks Near Me.’ Developed by information technology specialists at Children’s Hospital Boston and the MIT Media Lab, the free app allows users to track and report outbreaks of the virus, commonly known as swine flu, in real time.

The app builds upon the proven capabilities of HealthMap, an online resource that collects, filters, maps and disseminates information about emerging infectious diseases. Users can set alerts that will them on their device or by e-mail when new outbreaks are reported near them or if a user enters a new area of activity. It also features an option allowing users to submit an outbreak report.

ITunes now features more than 60 H1N1-related apps that offer various services, alerts and even swine-flu-related games.

-- Thomas H. Maugh II