Scientists have described how text message surveillance helped discover several Salmonella outbreaks.

Researchers in Australia trialed several methods to contact notified salmonellosis cases to collect information on exposures and risks, focusing on the feasibility of Short Message Service-based surveillance. Over a five-year period, the team mailed letters, sent online surveys, and then text messages.

The personalized SMS-follow-up model had the highest success as 56 percent of cases responded, enabling the identification of and intervention in 10 outbreaks of Salmonella. Another six outbreaks were already under investigation.