Summary
Objectives: In this work, a cellular automaton software package for simulating different infectious
diseases, storing the simulation results in a data warehouse system and analyzing
the obtained results to generate prediction models as well as contingency plans, is
proposed. The Brisbane H3N2 flu virus, which has been spreading during the winter
season 2009, was used for simulation in the federal state of Tyrol, Austria.
Methods: The simulation-modeling framework consists of an underlying cellular automaton. The
cellular automaton model is parameterized by known disease parameters and geographical
as well as demographical conditions are included for simulating the spreading. The
data generated by simulation are stored in the back room of the data warehouse using
the Talend Open Studio software package, and subsequent statistical and data mining
tasks are performed using the tool, termed Knowledge Discovery in Database Designer
(KD3).
Results: The obtained simulation results were used for generating prediction models for all
nine federal states of Austria.
Conclusion: The proposed framework provides a powerful and easy to handle interface for parameterizing
and simulating different infectious diseases in order to generate prediction models
and improve contingency plans for future events.
Keywords
Computer models - computer simulation - infectious disease transmission