Queensland Health’s Zika Mozzie Seeker (ZMS) is transforming urban mosquito surveillance by linking citizens to a world-first molecular diagnostic methodology. The ‘ZMS system’ integrates three innovations:
- Novel diagnostic method (Forensic and Scientific Services):
- Molecular analyses use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to rapidly screen the genetic material from large numbers of local mosquitoes for ‘traces’ of Aedes aegypti. A single Ae. aegypti can be detected amongst 5,000 Ae. notoscriptus (local species).
- Batching the eggs from multiple ovitraps (x10-20) into a cohort for each PCR enables high throughput and efficiencies, thereby revolutionising traditional survey methodology.
- Citizen-science (Metro South Health):
- Participants assemble a DIY egg trap in their back yard, using a free ‘egg collection kit’ supplied by Metro South’s Public Health Unit (PHU). Eggs were returned in self-addressed envelopes for counting and batching, prior to molecular analyses.
- Electronic communications via Metro South’s ZMS website https://metrosouth.health.qld.gov.au/zika-mozzie-seeker include a ‘notification service’ (SMSs and/or emails).
- Decision Support System (Metro South Health PHU):
- Participant and egg sample information are barcoded.
- A webcam captures egg images for automated egg counting. Individualised egg counts are provided to each participant, and these values are used to batch eggs for PCR cohorts.
- ‘Dashboard analytics’ track ZMS outputs (e.g. participation rates, ‘heat maps’ of egg abundance) , participant feedback (SMS, email, ZMS website).
The project won the Pursuing Innovation Award for Outstanding Achievement at the 2017 Queensland Health Awards for Excellence.
