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Table 2 Description of the state parameters of the model in Figure 1

From: Mathematical assessment of the effect of traditional beliefs and customs on the transmission dynamics of the 2014 Ebola outbreaks

Parameter

Description

β C ,β H

Effective contact (transmission) rate in the community/hospital

Π C ,Π RH ,Π V ,Π H

Recruitment rates

μ H

Natural death rate

τ C , τ Ci , τ Hi (i=1,2)

Modification parameters for infectiousness

ϕ C ,ϕ H

Strengths of traditional belief systems and customs in community and hospital

σ C ,σ H

Progression rates of symptomatic individuals in the community and hospital

α C ,α H

Progression rates of early symptomatic individuals in the community and hospital

g

Fraction of symptomatic individuals who are hospitalized

h

Fraction of symptomatic non-hospitalized individuals who recovered

f

Fraction of symptomatic hospitalized individuals who recovered

ω CN ,ω RH

Hospitalization rates of symptomatic individuals in the community and health-care workers

ω CH

Rate of escape from hospitalization

ε

Efficacy of hospitalization in preventing the escape of Ebola-infected patients

ε D

Efficacy of hospital-sanctioned burial (burial squad efficacy)

p D

Strength of cultural compliance/acceptance of the burial squad

γ C ,γ H

Recovery rates of symptomatic individuals in the community and hospital

δ C ,δ H

Cremation/burial rates of Ebola-deceased individuals in the community and hospital

ρ V ,ρ RV

Transition rates of visitors between the community and the hospital

ρ H ,ρ RH

Transition rates of health-care workers between the community and hospital