Effects of internal border control on spread of pandemic influenza

James G. Wood*, Nasim Zamani, C. Raina MacIntyre, Niels G. Becker

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    9 Citations (Scopus)

    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.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1038-1045
    Number of pages8
    JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases
    Volume13
    Issue number7
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jul 2007

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