Exact calculation of end-of-outbreak probabilities using contact tracing data

Authors: N. V. Bradbury, W. S. Hart, F. A. Lovell-Read, J. A. Polonsky, R. N. Thompson

Year: 2023

Journal: Journal of the Royal Society Interface

DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0374

Summary

This paper presents a new method for calculating the probability that an infectious disease outbreak has ended using contact tracing data.

Key Findings

  • The traced transmission method can calculate end-of-outbreak probabilities exactly when who-infected-whom data is available.
  • Applying the method to Ebola virus disease and Nipah virus infection data shows it would declare the outbreak over earlier than the Nishiura method.

Methodology

  • Study Type: Mathematical Modeling
  • Sample Size: Not specified in the text
  • Geographic Focus: Not specified in the text
  • Time Period: Not specified in the text

Topics

Epidemiology, Mathematical Modeling, Infectious Disease

Relevance

The paper's findings could help public health policymakers determine when an infectious disease outbreak has ended and may allow for quicker relaxation of control interventions.

Source

PDF Document