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Social media posts and online search behaviour as early-warning system for MRSA outbreaks

Tom H van de Belt1, Pieter T van Stockum2, Lucien J L P G Engelen1

  • 1Radboud REshape Innovation Center, Radboudumc University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, Netherlands.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control
|June 8, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Social media and online search data can help detect methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreaks faster than official systems. This approach shows promise for early detection, especially in facilities with lower reporting compliance.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Public Health Surveillance
  • Digital Health

Background:

  • Multi-drug resistant micro-organisms (MDROs) outbreaks persist despite preventive measures.
  • Current healthcare alert systems for MDROs have limitations, including delayed or incomplete notifications.
  • Additional information sources are needed to prevent the spread of MDROs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the potential of social media posts and online search behavior for detecting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreaks.
  • To determine if these online sources can provide earlier detection of MRSA outbreaks compared to official healthcare notifications.

Main Methods:

  • An exploratory study was conducted in the Netherlands.
  • Information on MRSA outbreaks from social media (Coosto) and online search behavior (Google Trends) was compared to the mandatory Dutch outbreak notification system (SO-ZI/AMR).
  • Data included outbreak dates, microorganisms, regions, and healthcare organization types.

Main Results:

  • Over 15 months, 49 outbreaks were reported in SO-ZI/AMR.
  • Social media identified 37 potential outbreaks, and Google Trends identified 24.
  • Online sources missed some hospital outbreaks but detected additional outbreaks in long-term care facilities.

Conclusions:

  • Social media and online search behavior can facilitate rapid identification of potential MRSA outbreaks.
  • This approach is particularly valuable in healthcare settings with low official notification compliance.
  • An automated system integrating real-time online data could enhance early detection and preventive measures for MRSA outbreaks.
Keywords:
Google trendsMRSAMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureusNowcastingOutbreaksSocial media monitoring

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