Dynamic Cellular Automata Based Epidemic Spread Model for Population in Patches with Movement

Abstract

Epidemiology is the study of spread of diseases among the group of population. If not controlled properly, the epidemic would cause an enormous number of problems and lead to pandemic situation. Here in this paper we consider the situation of populated areas where people live in patches. A dynamic cellular automata model for population in patches is being proposed in this paper. This work not only explores the computing power of cellular automata in modeling the epidemic spread but also provides the pathway in reduction of computing time when using the dynamic cellular automata model for the patchy population when compared to the static cellular automata which is used for a nonpatchy homogeneous population. The variation of the model with movement of population among the patches is also explored which provides an efficient way for evacuation planning and vaccination of infected areas.