University of Queensland experts will head to Brazil and Colombia to join the frontline in the battle against zika virus by sharing research expertise in mapping emerging disease hot-spots and identifying at-risk communities.
The UQ team will train their South American colleagues in geospatial analysis to identify disease outbreaks.
Epidemiologist Dr Ricardo Soares Magalhaes, of UQ’sSchool of Veterinary Science and Child Health Research Centre, said the project would also benefit Australia.
“It will allow Australian researchers to have a better understanding of disease factors should Zika virus be introduced into Australia,” he said.
Dr Magalhaes said the project would strengthen links between Australia and leading educational and government institutions in Brazil and Colombia.
