Mathematical modeling of infectious diseases has progressed dramatically over the past 3 decades and continues to flourish at the nexus of mathematics, epidemiology, and infectious diseases research. Now recognized as a valuable tool, mathematical models are being integrated into the public health decision-making process more than ever before. However, despite rapid advancements in this area, a formal training program for mathematical modeling is lacking, and there are very few books suitable for a broad readership. To support this bridging science, a common language that is understood in all contributing disciplines is required. Modeling Infectious Diseases in Humans and Animals is a timely and successful attempt to fill this gap. In this volume, Keeling and Rohani cover many important topics in mathematical modeling of infectious diseases epidemiology and introduce a number of classic and modern techniques, with a vigilant approach that introduces and emphasizes the concepts but avoids the inclusion of extensive mathematical details. This recipe is ideal for a multidisciplinary field of research like infectious diseases epidemiology. To introduce basic modeling concepts to readers who may not be familiar with mathematical modeling literature, Keeling and Rohani begin with simple deterministic models. In addition, they establish fundamental notions, such as the basic reproductive number, epidemic curve, dynamic equilibrium, age of infection, and oscillatory dynamics. They further introduce more-refined and advanced models by incorporating heterogeneity with behavior or age, which accounts for variability in transmission risk in real populations.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Keeling et al. (2008) studied this question.