Hi Reddit, My name is Samuel Kou and I am a Professor of Statistics at
Harvard University. My research interests include infectious disease
tracking and forecasting, big data analytics, mathematical modeling in
biology, and development of statistical methodologies. I recently
published an article titled Advances in using Internet searches to track
dengue in PLOS Computational Biology. In the article, we presented a
mathematical model that uses Google search data and government-provided
clinical data to track dengue fever. The accurate tracking of dengue
fever by our model in multiple countries shows that Internet search
information, properly utilized, can help governments and health
officials track infectious diseases, which is particularly important for
countries with less advanced clinical based surveillance systems. I will
be answering your questions at 1pm ET. Ask me Anything!