Video and audio monitoring for syndromic surveillance for infectious diseases

Abstract

We present, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, novel systems and methods for syndromic surveillance that can automatically monitor symptoms that may be associated with the early presentation of a syndrome (e.g., fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, sniffling, rashes). Although not so limited, the novel surveillance systems described herein can be placed in common areas occupied by a crowd of people, in accordance with local and national laws applicable to such surveillance. Common areas may include public areas (e.g., an airport, train station, sports arena) and private areas (e.g., a doctor's waiting room). The monitored symptoms may be transmitted to a responder (e.g., a person, an information system) outside of the surveillance system, such that the responder can take appropriate action to identifying, treat and quarantine potentially infected individuals, as necessary.