Network theory links behavioral information flow with contained epidemic outbreaks
(PHYSorg.com Mathematics)

Over the last two decades, large-scale outbreaks of infectious diseases have resulted in high levels of morbidity, mortality, and overall economic burden for affected regions. As complex networks become increasingly popular tools of study, researchers are applying network theory to the field of epidemiology. Due to the plethora of disease-related data available from various media outlets, an individual`s behavioral response to and communication of an epidemic depends on the pattern of information flow in a separate yet related network. As a result, mathematical models of humans` reactions to disease outbreaks are important tools in epidemiological analysis.