Effects of Internal Border Control on Spread of Pandemic Influenza

Date

2007

Authors

Wood, James
Zamani, Nasim
MacIntyre, C Raina
Becker, Niels

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

US National Centre for Infectious Diseases

Abstract

We investigated the capacity of internal border control to limit influenza spread in an emergent pandemic in the context of Australia, a country with a low-population density and geopolitical boundaries that may facilitate restrictions. Mathematical models were used to study the time delay between epidemics in 2 population centers when travel restrictions were imposed. The models demonstrated that population size, travel rates, and places where travelers reside can strongly influence delay. The model simulations suggested that moderate delays in geographic spread may be possible with stringent restrictions and a low reproduction number, but results will be sensitive to the reproduction number and timing of restrictions. Model limitations include the absence of further importations and additional control measures. Internal border control may have a role in protecting domestic centers early in a pandemic, when importations are sparse. Our results may be useful for policymakers.

Description

Keywords

Keywords: article; Australia; controlled study; emporiatrics; epidemic; geography; health care policy; home care; human; infection control; influenza; management; mathematical model; pandemic; population size; simulation; travel; Australia; Disease Outbreaks; Human

Citation

Source

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Type

Journal article

Book Title

Entity type

Access Statement

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DOI

Restricted until

2037-12-31