Correlation between reported human infection with avian influenza A H7N9 virus and cyber user awareness: what can we learn from digital epidemiology?

Int J Infect Dis. 2014 May:22:1-3. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2013.11.013. Epub 2014 Feb 25.

Abstract

Data on the topic of novel avian influenza A (H7N9) were collected based on the web analysis tool 'Baidu Index', a major Chinese search engine. We found a positive correlation between the volume of H7N9-related 'cyber user awareness' and the epidemic situation during the H7N9 outbreak in China (r=0.98, p<0.01, cumulative; r=0.43, p=0.018, daily) except in the early stage; the ranks of H7N9-related topics changed at different epidemic stages. This study may improve our understanding of the role of web-based media in infectious disease surveillance in China.

Keywords: Avian influenza; Cyber user awareness; Epidemiology; Public health policy; Social networks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Birds
  • China / epidemiology
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Surveillance
  • Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype / pathogenicity
  • Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype / physiology*
  • Influenza in Birds / epidemiology*
  • Influenza in Birds / virology
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology*
  • Influenza, Human / psychology*
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • Information Dissemination*
  • Internet
  • Social Support