A new iPhone application enables users to track and report outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as H1N1 flu, in real time.

The technology was created by researchers at Children's Hospital Boston in collaboration with the MIT Media Lab, according to a hospital news release, and it builds upon the mission of HealthMap, an online resource that collects, filters, maps and disseminates information about emerging infectious diseases.

The application, called, "Outbreaks Near Me," has alerts that can be used notify a user when new outbreaks are reported in their proximity, and features an option for users to submit an outbreak report for review and eventual posting.

"We hope individuals will find the new app to be a useful source of outbreak information - locally, nationally, and globally," said HealthMap co-founder John Brownstein in a prepared statement. "As people are equipped with more knowledge and awareness of infectious disease, the hope is that they will become more involved and proactive about public health."

"This is grassroots, participatory epidemiology," added HealthMap co-founder Clark Freifeld.

"Outbreaks Near Me" is available at no cost for download in the iTunes App Store. For more information about the application visit: http://healthmap.org/iphone.php.