The Pacific Disaster Center uses Esri GIS solutions to deal with the dangerous virus.

Sofia, 17 July 2016 - After the World Health Organization announcement for global risk of the Zika virus this year, many health experts demanded the postpone of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil. To support the efforts of all concerned parties Esri, the leader in geographic information systems, provide a series of GIS solutions that enable more efficient crisis management.

Among them is an interactive Web GIS map on the history of Zika virus that aims to improve public awareness on the issue. The map makes a visual retrospection of the virus transmission and the embedded videos and infographics present information about the methods of infection and the ways for prevention. The online map is developed with the intuitive tools part of ArcGIS Online platform. The online map serves as a tool for smart information sharing, so it can be integrated on any website.

Esri also provides its specialised solution for Vector-borne Disease Surveillance and Control. The solution is successfully used by the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC), located on Maui island, Hawai. Through GIS technologies the center provides the regions at risk with a timely spatial and analytical information supporting informed decision making and proper allocation of resources. “Esri provides the backbone for visualising an event and understanding the locality and context for any disaster, including the Zika virus,” said Ray Shirkhodai, PDC executive director.

In addition to these, in May Esri held a webinar on “How Communities Can Better Respond to Zika Virus”. The no-cost one-hour event was focused on building a comprehensive approach in response to epidemics.

More information on using GIS for vector-borne disease surveillance and control can be found on go.esri.com/vector-ready.