In efforts to increase public health communications this study investigated the use of bi-directional text messaging via SMS with community based organizations working with hard to reach populations.

This study provides considerations for mFHAST in terms of when bi-directional text messaging efforts may be of benefit to Public Health communication and surveillance campaigns.

From the Eurosurveillance article abstract: "Depending on an individual risk assessment, and with some variation between countries, passive or active monitoring is recommended for healthcare workers, household and community contacts of persons with Ebola Virus Disease, and in some instances, for travellers from Ebola Virus Disease-affected countries irrespective of a specific exposure history."

mFHAST Implications: Opportunity for use of SMS to effectively track and monitor people who have been exposed to virulent diseases