The study was conducted by researchers from Shaanxi Normal University in China and York University in Canada. To examine the relationship between mass media coverage on the H1N1 epidemic in the Chinese city of Xi’an, researchers compared the number of hospital visits every day during the outbreak with the number and duration of news reports about the epidemic.
The study revealed more news reports resulted in fewer hospital visits and vice versa, meaning media coverage can be a powerful tool to help halt the spread of disease during an epidemic.
“The success of any comprehensive prevention and control strategy of the emerging infectious diseases relies on the confidence — and action — of the public in the strategy, and media plays a substantial role in building this confidence,” said co-author and York University Professor Sandra Gabriele.
More articles on epidemics:
WHO: Guinea is Ebola-free
CDC flu report: Outpatient visits for influenza-like illnesses rise above the national baseline
8 tips on how the US can better prepare for outbreaks
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