Online Search Trends Related to Ectoparasites Following the 2023 Türkiye Earthquakes: A Digital Epidemiology Study in Post Disaster Environments.

Source: PubMed, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

Disasters such as earthquakes create conditions that amplify the risk of ectoparasitic infestations due to overcrowding, disrupted sanitation, and limited hygiene resources. This study explores ectoparasite-related online search interests in Türkiye before and after the earthquakes of February 2023, offering insights into potential secondary health concerns during disaster recovery. Weekly Google Trends data on scabies, lice, bed bugs, ticks, and insect bites were extracted for Türkiye and its provinces. Relative search volumes (RSV) were analysed to compare two years pre- and post-earthquake periods. Statistical analyses included time series comparisons. Following the earthquake, RSV for scabies and bed bugs increased sharply, while lice RSV significantly declined; tick and insect bite queries maintained consistent seasonal cycles. Integrating digital epidemiology insights with field-based surveillance could enhance the early detection and response to outbreaks following disasters. Long-term monitoring should be included in surveillance systems.