Web searches for symptoms of HIV, MRSA and flu strains will be monitored to spot outbreaks of infections

British scientists plan to harness the power of the internet to catch outbreaks of killer infections before they spread.

The researchers will use online surveillance to monitor millions of web searches where people have looked up symptoms related to conditions such as HIV, MRSA or dangerous strains of flu.They say this will help them to locate in “real time” exactly where the next epidemic is emerging. It is hoped that this will “revolutionise” Britain’s ability to respond to deadly infections and prevent millions of deaths.

Web searches for symptoms of HIV, MRSA and flu strains will be monitored to spot outbreaks of infections - Science - News - The Independent