stethoscope on keyboard (Photo : American Libraries Magazine)
Google's new feature makes it easier to find quick info about particular health conditions and illnesses including details such as symptoms, treatments, and cures, in order to self-diagnose a sickness. The search engine giant has doubled its disease database to now include 900 ailments that can be accessed from desktops, smartphones, and tablets, including neglected tropical diseases (NTD) such as dengue fever.
When the company launched the feature it only included 400 ailments, according to Digital Times. That was in February.
The NTDs are notable as they often are not included in online medical searches. However, according to the United Nations' World Health Organization (WHO) they affect 1.4 billion people in 149 nations worldwide, including many developing countries.
After users type in a query into the search box for any of the 900+ diseases, a quick results panel will be displayed. It will include information such as the ailment's symptoms and treatments.
Google users can also download the panel as a printable PDF file, according to Engadget. Based on its research this was the most popular feature solicited by doctors.
The company teamed up with medical professionals to develop the new medical condition feature. That will help to provide accurate information.
Google stated that the company realized people needed the health feature in August when the Legionnaires' disease outbreak happened in New York City. Web searches about the disease skyrocketed 1,000-fold.
The new feature is only available through Google United States (English). However, the company has promised that the tool will later be rolled out in other languages.
