Resource control of epidemic spreading through a multilayer network

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Network Science
• Mathematical Modeling

Background:

• Epidemic control relies on resource allocation.
• Outbreaks can occur even with resource investment.
• The impact of resource investment on epidemic dynamics in layered networks is underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze a mechanistic model of epidemic spreading considering resource factors and network layers.
• To identify a critical resource threshold for epidemic outbreak control.
• To investigate the influence of network structure and inter-layer connections on epidemic dynamics and phase transitions.

Main Methods:

• Developed a mechanistic model of epidemic spreading.
• Incorporated resource allocation as a key factor.
• Analyzed epidemic dynamics in a network with multiple layers and connections.
• Investigated phase transitions in epidemic behavior.

Main Results:

• Identified a critical resource threshold for epidemic outbreaks.
• Outbreaks are controlled if resources exceed the threshold; otherwise, significant spread occurs.
• Layer-layer connection strength influences phase transitions (first-order to continuous and vice versa).
• Internal network connections induce hybrid phase transitions.

Conclusions:

• Resource allocation is crucial for epidemic control, with a defined threshold for effectiveness.
• Network structure and inter-layer connectivity significantly modulate epidemic dynamics and phase transitions.
• Findings have implications for optimizing public health resource allocation during disease outbreaks.