Cooperative epidemic spreading in complex networks

Abstract

Most epidemic spreading models assume memoryless systems and statistically independent infections. Nevertheless, many real-life cases are manifestly time-sensitive and may be strongly correlated. We study the effect of non-Markovian stochastic dynamics on the SIS model, in random and scale-free networks, and propose a novel microscopic description to account for cooperation. Initial exploratory simulations yield promising results, calling for further research.