Field Note

Getting an Edge on Disease Outbreaks

Kumanan Wilson and John Brownstein on using the internet to track outbreaks.

Every year influenza outbreaks affect tens of thousands of Americans. However, recent analyses have shown that Internet searching for terms related to influenza rise prior to the official recognition of these outbreaks. Preliminary data suggests that the current HINI influenza outbreak may have also been forewarned by increase in influenza specific search terms in Mexico. Acting on these signals could potentially allow for measures to be taken to reduce the spread of the infections and, in particular, protect the most vulnerable.

Read the blog.