Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Human Populations

Abstract

The prevention, control and prediction of emerging infectious diseases are vital in order to effectively manage their spread and impact. Over the years many modelling techniques have been developed for the management of infectious diseases. However, emerging diseases are linked to selective pressures caused by humans, for example environmental pressure such as urbanisation and habitat fragmentation. In this paper we present a new approach, which combines human behavioural factors together with advanced mathematical modelling and machine learning, for preventing, monitoring and predicting future epidemics. This will help medical professionals and policy makers to optimize, in real-time, response efforts to major outbreaks.