Predicting and controlling disease outbreaks would be easier and more reliable with the wider application of mathematical modelling, according to a new study.
Predicting and controlling disease outbreaks would be easier and more reliable with the wider application of mathematical modelling, according to a new study.
The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Waterloo, University of Maryland and Yale’s School of Public Health.
In addition to the main findings, the study also concluded that modelling involving the information from multiple medical and public health sources, such as microbiologists, immunologists and epidemiologist, would be most informative for public health planners in contemplating intervention strategies.
“Mathematical models of disease spread can be hugely beneficial in understanding and controlling infectious diseases,” said Chris Bauch, a professor in Waterloo’s Department of Applied Mathematics. “There are certain challenges that have to be overcome when attempting to use mathematical modelling, for example, if you want to impact policy, you have to involve the policymakers at every step in the process.”
Read more at University of Waterloo
