Artificial intelligence can predict new infections

By combining artificial intelligence with models of travel patterns and disease impacts, it is possible to predict how various infectious diseases will spread in Europe in line with global warming. Modeling makes it possible to build preparedness, according to a new thesis from Umeå University.

– Many serious diseases are about to reach many countries in Europe when the climate changes and we also travel more. By arriving at expectations, room is created to make decisions about capacity for care and measures needed to limit the spread of the disease, says Zia Farooq, a doctoral student at Umeå University in press release.

Through models, his research can predict the spread of infectious diseases, and a research group he is part of was able to predict the last Nile fever outbreak in Europe in 2018.

– Of course, it is very important to reduce emissions and limit climate change. But we may not be able to completely escape the problem because climate change is already happening. Therefore, it is important that we have the tools to prepare for the challenges of climate dependency and emerging infectious diseases, says Zia Farooq.