Prevention and control of infectious disease transmission in subways: an improved susceptible–exposed–infected–recovered model
2024

Improved Model for Infectious Disease Transmission in Subways

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Zhou Fang, Hou Fang, Wang Jiangtao, Ma Qiaoyun, Luo Lanfen

Primary Institution: College of Information and Management Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China

Hypothesis

How do asymptomatic patients affect the transmission of infectious diseases in subway systems?

Conclusion

The improved SEIA model effectively simulates the transmission of infectious diseases in subways and highlights the significant role of asymptomatic patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • The SEIA model includes asymptomatic infected individuals as a source of infection.
  • The model accurately predicts the spread of infectious diseases in subway systems.
  • Protective measures significantly reduce the number of exposed individuals in subways.

Takeaway

This study shows that subways can spread diseases like COVID-19, especially through people who don't show symptoms. We made a new model to understand how this happens.

Methodology

The study improved the SEIR model by adding asymptomatic patients and time-varying passenger flow parameters to simulate disease transmission in subways.

Limitations

The model does not account for population migration and changes in birth and death rates.

Participant Demographics

The study focuses on subway passengers in City Z, China, which has a population of over 10 million.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fpubh.2024.1454450

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication