Assessing the impact of isolation policies on epidemic dynamics through swarm entropy

Abstract

Isolation policies are an effective measure in epidemiological models for the prediction and prevention of infectious diseases. In this paper, we use a multi-agent modeling approach to construct an infectious disease model that considers the influence of isolation policies. The model analyzes the impact of isolation policies on various stages of epidemic from two perspectives: the external environment and agents behavior. It utilizes multiple variables to simulate the extent to which isolation policies influence the spread of the pandemic. Empirical evidence indicates that the progression of the epidemic is primarily driven by factors such as public willingness and regulatory intensity. The improved model, in comparison to traditional infectious disease models, offers greater flexibility and accuracy, addressing the need for frequent modifications in fundamental models within complex environments. Meanwhile, we introduce “swarm entropy” to evaluate infection intensity under various policies. By linking isolation policies with swarm entropy, considering population structure, we quantify the effectiveness of these isolation measures. It provides a novel approach for complex population simulations. These findings have facilitated the enhancement of control strategies and provided decision-makers with guidance in combating the transmission of infectious diseases.