US researchers have unveiled an innovative generative AI tool capable of swiftly detecting H5N1 virus exposure, the cause of avian influenza or “bird flu.” Published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, the AI scans electronic medical records to identify high-risk patients potentially infected with H5N1, thereby enhancing national surveillance amid the virus’s spread. Katherine E. Goodman, an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland, emphasized that this tool addresses a significant gap in public health by identifying patients who could otherwise remain undetected. The AI operates efficiently, taking only 26 minutes and costing merely 3 cents per patient, showing promise in forming a national network for infectious disease monitoring. Analyzing 13,494 emergency department visits, the model flagged patients with pertinent exposure risks, leading to the identification of 14 cases with confirmed animal contact. This breakthrough highlights the vital role of AI in timely public health interventions for emerging infectious diseases.
Revolutionary AI Tool Enhances H5N1 Surveillance by Detecting Bird Flu Virus Exposure | Tech News
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