Researchers find new ways to predict disease outbreaks in SC [Video]

CLEMSON, S.C. (WSPA) – The CDC awarded South Carolina $20 million over the next five years to develop a statewide network for outbreak detection, forecasting and coordinating emergency response.

“Clemson University is the prime site, and I am the principal investigator on this study,” said Lior Rennert.

During the study, public health care researchers at Clemson looked at social media data to predict disease outbreaks in the state with the university’s social media listening center.

“There are conversations around vaccine hesitancy, and that’s an important component in this conversation because when we see things related to potential preemptive measures, it may help us to predict potential disease outbreaks based on locations where vaccination rates are lower and things like that,” said Brandon Boatwright.

The university said people living in Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, and Hilton Head ask the most questions about COVID-19 symptoms and whether or not the vaccine is worthwhile.

“We recognize the value …