The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can help detect foodborne illness outbreaks. By analyzing online restaurant reviews, UKHSA experts want to identify patterns that may point to outbreaks.
Foodborne illnesses are a significant problem in the UK, affecting millions each year. Although many people get sick, most cases go undiagnosed, making it hard to track these illnesses accurately. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), there are about 2.4 million foodborne illnesses each year, with 16,400 requiring hospital care and around 180 leading to death. The total cost to society is estimated at £10.4 billion annually.
UKHSA has been testing various AI models to sift through thousands of restaurant reviews. These models look for symptoms linked to foodborne illnesses, like diarrhea and vomiting, along with the types of food people mention, such as meat or fish. The idea is that, by collecting this information, UKHSA can start mapping out illness trends and identifying potential outbreak sources.
However, a recent study highlighted some challenges with this approach. Access to real-time data can be difficult, and relying on restaurant reviews has its limitations. Variations in spelling and the use of slang can muddy the results. Moreover, people might incorrectly link their symptoms to a particular meal or restaurant, making it hard to pinpoint the exact source of the illness.
Researchers tested their methods using the Yelp Open Dataset, focusing on reviews mentioning symptoms related to gastrointestinal issues. Out of 3,000 reviews, 1,148 were found to relate specifically to foodborne illnesses. Still, it’s important to note that the majority of food consumed does not come from restaurants that receive reviews. This means the data might mostly represent higher-income individuals who frequently dine out and share their experiences online.
Professor Steven Riley, UKHSA’s chief data officer, mentioned, “Using AI in this way could be a game-changer in pinpointing foodborne illness sources. It could complement traditional methods and help prevent more people from getting sick.” However, he emphasized that more work is needed before fully incorporating these methods into regular practices.
To further enhance disease tracking, UKHSA is also expanding the number of pathogens that healthcare providers and labs in England must report. Starting April 6, professionals must report suspected cases of new conditions like Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and other infectious diseases. Laboratories must also notify the agency about 10 other agents, including norovirus and tick-borne viruses.
This proactive approach aims to improve both local and national responses to infectious disease outbreaks. By combining AI capabilities with traditional epidemiological approaches, UKHSA hopes to create a robust system for managing foodborne illness effectively.
Check out this related article: EBT Card Hacked? Discover What to Do When Your Food Benefits Are Gone – WSVN 7News Miami
Source link