Fighting epidemics in the information and knowledge age

Since its initial outbreak, scientists have sought to control the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic (SARS). So far, though, these SARS researchers have paid too little attention to the complex relationships between the epidemic, the environment, and our Information and Knowledge Age society. Fortunately, information technology can help scientists investigate the epidemic's cause and unveil its relevant principles and rules. The ideal Internet-based eco-environment management system would integrate ecological environment evaluation, data collection and publication, simulation, forecasting, and situation monitoring. It could help governments make decisions based on the current ecological and epidemiological situation, forecast developments, and evaluate the eco-environment. Professional workers in various regions could store and publish information in the system and thus make that data immediately available to people in other regions.