Simulations
Computer simulations are a powerful tool that can help to estimate how a disease outbreak might spread through a population and how different interventions may help to ease the burden of disease. Below are three videos that represent the high performance computer simulations of an epidemic of influenza spreading through a synthetic population of individuals in Chicago (approximate population 8.8 million). Click on each video to see how the epidemic runs its course and to see how interventions like drug treatments or staying at home (social distancing) impact the duration and intensity of the epidemic. Social distancing measures include isolation of diagnosed cases, quarantine of households of diagnosed cases, closing of schools, and reducing contacts at workplaces or in the community. Treatment in this case refers to the use of antiviral agents for those infected with the influenza virus.
1. Simulated influenza epidemic in Chicago with no interventions
2. Simulated influenza epidemic with 50% of the population treated
3. Simulated influenza epidemic with 50% of the population exercising social distancing measures
