Modelling epidemics with memory effects: an open quantum system approach

In this work, we introduce a quantum-inspired epidemic model to study the dynamics of an infectious disease in a population divided into compartments. By treating the healthy population as a large reservoir, we construct a framework based on open quantum systems and a Hilbert space formalism to model the spread of the infection. This approach allows for a mathematical framework that captures both Markovian and semi-Markovian dynamics in the evolution equations. Through numerical experiments, we examine the effect of varying memory parameters on the epidemic evolution, focusing in particular on the conditions under which the model remains physically admissible. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Quantum theory and topology in models of decision making (Part 1)’.