A new research says – Wikipedia could predict disease outbreaks

According to a new research, wikipedia page views can predict disease outbreaks, including dengue fever and influenza, around the globe nearly a month before the official health advice. Researchers say analyzing such online trends could help scientists stay one step ahead of the outbreaks around the globe. The results suggest that people start searching for disease-related information on Wikipedia before they seek medical attention. The research shows the potential to transfer models across different regions; that is, one can “train” a computer model using public health data in one location and implement the model in another region. A global disease-forecasting system will change the way we respond to epidemics. In the same way we check weather each morning, individuals and public health officials can monitor disease incidence and plan for the future based on today’s forecast.