Measurability of the epidemic reproduction number in data-driven contact networks

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1811115115
• Publication Date: 2018-11-21T19:03:37Z
• Authors: Quan-Hui Liu; Marco Ajelli; Alberto Aleta; Stefano Merler; Yamir Moreno; Alessandro Vespig...
• Keywords: Basic reproduction number

Significance The analysis of real epidemiological data has raised issues the adequacy classic homogeneous modeling framework and quantities, such as basic reproduction number in real-world situations. Based on high-quality sociodemographic data, here we generate a multiplex network describing contact pattern Italian Dutch populations. By using microsimulation approach, show that, for epidemics spreading realistic networks, it is not possible to define steady exponential growth phase number. We operational use instantaneous rate good descriptor transmission dynamics.