Spatiotemporal dynamics in a fractional diffusive SIS epidemic model with mass action infection mechanism

Abstract

This paper is concerned with spatiotemporal dynamics of a fractional diffusive susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) epidemic model with mass action infection mechanism. Concretely, we first focus on the existence and stability of the disease-free and endemic equilibria. Then, we give the asymptotic profiles of the endemic equilibrium on small and large diffusion rates, which can reveal the impact of dispersal rates and fractional powers simultaneously. It is worth noting that we have some counter-intuitive findings: controlling the flow of infected individuals will not eradicate the disease, but restricting the movement of susceptible individuals will make the disease disappear.

Keywords: Asymptotic profiles; Basic reproduction number; Epidemic model; Fractional diffusion; Stability.