WHEN ZOMBIES ATTACK!! MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF AN OUTBREAK OF ZOMBIE INFECTION! !

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the flexibility of mathematical modelling and its application to infectious diseases using the scenario of a zombie infection. The paper is a guide to develop mathematical models for an unusual outbreak and shows how modelling can respond to a wide variety of challenges in “biology”. For the developed models popular-culture zombies, who are slow moving, cannibalistic and undead with no intention of attacking and defeating each other, were chosen. Even though the zombie scenario differs from other infectious diseases by the dead being able to come back to life, these models allow real life applications to, for example, allegiance to political parties, or diseases with a dormant infection. Furthermore, all developed models use a short timescale in order to allow the natural birth and death rates to be ignored. Based on these key criteria five different models were developed: a basic model, a model with latent infection, a model with quarantine, a model with treatment and a model with impulsive eradication. Comparing the outcome of the equations, an outbreak of an infection like a zombie infection is most likely to lead to the collapse of civilisation, unless it is dealt with quickly. Mathematical modelling has led to the conclusion that, while aggressive quarantine may contain the epidemic, or a cure may lead to coexistence, the most effective way to contain the infection are frequent attacks with increasing force.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0HbknFNhe_7QVVmQ0k0X0dlNXM/edit