Epigrass: a tool to study disease spread in complex networks
2008

Epigrass: A Tool for Studying Disease Spread in Networks

Sample size: 76 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Flávio C Coelho, Oswaldo G Cruz, Cláudia T Codeço

Primary Institution: Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Hypothesis

Can a simulation software facilitate the design and analysis of network-epidemic models?

Conclusion

Epigrass greatly simplifies the construction, simulation, and analysis of complex network models.

Supporting Evidence

  • The model was tested with 76 cities in Brazil.
  • The simulation showed that the entry point of the disease significantly affects its spread.
  • Epigrass allows for easy customization of models and scenarios.

Takeaway

Epigrass is a computer program that helps scientists understand how diseases spread between cities using bus routes.

Methodology

The study involved creating a network model of cities connected by bus routes to simulate the spread of a respiratory disease.

Limitations

The model is primarily illustrative and not a complete analysis of a real epidemic.

Participant Demographics

Cities in Brazil with populations of 100,000 or more.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1751-0473-3-3

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication