Infodemiological Study of Internet Search Pattern Related to Nipah Outbreaks in Bangladesh (Jan 2018- Jul 2023): A Google Trend Analysis

Authors

  • Immamul Muntasir Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control & Research (IEDCR), Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh Author
  • Professor Dr. M. Shafiqur Rahman Institute of Statistical Research and Training (ISRT), University of Dhaka, Bangladesh Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55578/amsr.2604.005

Keywords:

Nipah virus, Infodemiology, Google Trend, Bangladesh, infodemiology, internet

Abstract

Introduction: Nipah virus is a fatal bat-borne pathogen that follows a seasonality from December to May in Bangladesh. Since 2001, Nipah outbreaks have been reported annually in Bangladesh. However, in early 2023, there has been an occurrence of a series of outbreaks here. This study aims to investigate the infodemiological aspect of this series of Nipah outbreaks by analyzing the Google search interest in Bangladesh.

Methods: The “Explore” feature of Google Trends was utilized to analyze search behavior focusing on the topics "Nipah virus infection" and "Date Juice" in Bangladesh from January 2018 to July 2023. Data from Nipah outbreaks during the same period was obtained. Correlation analysis was done between Relative Search Volume (RSV) and outbreak frequency, and spatial analysis to compare heat maps showing RSV and outbreaks.

Results: A line graph depicting the relative search volume (RSV) of Nipah virus infection reveals fluctuations in public interest, with spikes following outbreak events and during the Nipah season. Similarly, the RSV of "Date Juice" showcases changing patterns, occasionally aligning with Nipah outbreaks. Pearson correlation analysis indicates moderate positive correlations between Nipah-related RSVs and outbreaks, with p-values < 0.01, underscoring the link between public interest and outbreak frequency. Heat maps depict regional variations, with higher RSV regions coinciding with reported outbreaks.

Conclusion: The study found that RSV of both “Nipah Virus Infection” and “Date Juice” increased with the frequency of Nipah Outbreaks. We recommend continuous monitoring of health information regarding Nipah and other important public health issues.

Author Biography

  • Professor Dr. M. Shafiqur Rahman, Institute of Statistical Research and Training (ISRT), University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

    Dr. Immamul Muntasir is a Field Epidemiologist and Public Health Researcher currently serving as a Scientific Officer and Technical Advisor for the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP Advanced) at the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Bangladesh.

    He completed his MBBS from Dhaka Medical College in 2015, followed by a Master of Science in Applied Epidemiology from University of Dhaka in 2023, and successfully completed the FETP (Advanced) under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC)-supported program in Bangladesh in 2024.

    Dr. Muntasir has extensive experience in outbreak investigation, surveillance system evaluation, One Health research, emergency preparedness, and project leadership. He has led and co-led multiple nationally significant research and surveillance initiatives, including studies on Zika virus seroprevalence, foodborne disease attribution, live bird market biosecurity, hospital-based influenza surveillance, and community-based surveillance systems in Bangladesh.

    His professional expertise includes epidemiologic study design, spatial analysis using QGIS and R, data analysis, multisectoral coordination, and public health emergency response. He has also served in key strategic roles as Operational Chief of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) and as a technical group member for Community-Based Surveillance in Bangladesh.

    Dr. Muntasir has contributed to several important scientific publications and conference presentations on emerging infectious diseases and outbreak investigations, including work on Nipah virus, Chikungunya, Zika virus, rotavirus, and acute gastroenteritis outbreaks. His research continues to strengthen Bangladesh’s capacity for epidemic intelligence, early warning systems, and evidence-based outbreak response.

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Figure 6. Maps Showing Distribution of RSV and Frequency of Nipah Outbreaks by Divisions of Bangladesh from Jan 2018 to Jul 2023

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Published

2026-04-24

Data Availability Statement

Data available with request from authors.

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Immamul Muntasir, Professor Dr. M. Shafiqur Rahman (Author)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Infodemiological Study of Internet Search Pattern Related to Nipah Outbreaks in Bangladesh (Jan 2018- Jul 2023): A Google Trend Analysis. (2026). Advances in Medical Sciences and Research, 1(1), 61-71. https://doi.org/10.55578/amsr.2604.005