Social inequality and cultural factors impact the awareness and reaction during the cryptic transmission period of pandemic

• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2502.05622
• Publication Date: 2025-02-08
• Authors: Zhuoren Jiang; Xiaozhong Liu; Yangyang Kang; Changlong Sun; Yong-Yeol Ahn; Johan Bollen
• Keywords: Pandemic; Social Inequality

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a Public Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on January 31, 2020. However, rumors "mysterious virus" had already been circulating in China December 2019, possibly preceding first confirmed case. Understanding how awareness about an emerging pandemic spreads through society is vital not only for enhancing disease surveillance, but also mitigating demand shocks and social inequities, such as shortages personal protective equipment (PPE) essential supplies. Here we leverage massive e-commerce dataset comprising 150 billion online queries purchase records from 94 million people to detect traces early public response during cryptic transmission period COVID-19. Our analysis focuses identifying information gaps across different demographic cohorts, revealing significant inequities role cultural factors shaping diffusion behaviors. By modeling heterogeneous networks analyzing shopping behavior, uncover evolving characteristics vulnerable populations. findings expand theoretical understanding spread inequality stages pandemic, highlighting critical importance data network effectively timely addressing future challenges. We provide actionable recommendations better manage mitigate dynamic inequalities health crises.