Network based models of infectious disease spread

Abstract

It has recently become possible to simulate directly dynamics on very large networks. This paper describes a model of epidemiology on a social network, the Epidemiological Simulation System (EpiSims), and offers general speculation on analyzing disease dynamics on networks. We describe the process of building a realistic social network, describe several different definitions of the network, each useful for certain purposes. Finally, we raise some important questions about structural properties of networks and how they influence dynamics.