Who Knew Twitter Was Useful?

I just read an article from G4TV's blog and it contains a new interesting use for Google Maps and Twitter.

Outbreak 2.0: Tracking Swine Flu Through Google Maps And Twitter

from G4 TV - TheFeed

Can't get enough swine-flu excitement? Who can?!? Thankfully the Internet has evolved to the point where everyone can track their favorite diseases and outbreaks like never before. First up is a Google Map that pinpoints every reported case of swine flu around the world. From Mexico to America to Spain to New Zealand, you can follow swine flu victims across the globe.

Speaking of follow, your day isn't complete unless you've received Twitter updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Busting out emergency updates one tweet at a time, CDC's Twitter page gives you up-to-the-second information on the latest swine flu conference calls, respirator suggestions, and recommended antiviral drugs.

Now if I may be serious for a moment (channeling Lance Storm), it's pretty amazing that the Internet has evolved to the point where millions of people can easily get updates on a disease outbreak. While some will check out the information simply because it's there (Wikipedia syndrome?), others will use it to keep their family and friends safer. It's truly amazing.

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