# Modeling the Spread of Multiple Contagions on Multilayer Networks

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel SIS model for multiple contagions on multilayer networks, incorporating various spreading channels and mutations, with analytical estimates of the basic reproduction number and insights into strain persistence without epidemic thresholds.

## Contribution

It develops a new multilayer network SIS model for multiple contagions, analyzing mutation-driven strain persistence and epidemic thresholds, applicable to diverse spreading phenomena.

## Key findings

- Analytical estimation of the basic reproduction number.
- Identification of strain persistence without epidemic thresholds.
- Model applicability to various spreading phenomena.

## Abstract

A susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) model of multiple contagions on multilayer networks is developed to incorporate different spreading channels and disease mutations. The basic reproduction number for this model is estimated analytically. In a special case when considering only compartmental models, we analytically analyze an example of a model with a mutation driven strain persistence characterized by the absence of an epidemic threshold. This model is not related to the network topology and can be observed in both compartmental models and models on networks. The novel multiple-contagion SIS model on a multilayer network could help in the understanding of other spreading phenomena including communicable diseases, cultural characteristics, addictions, or information spread through e-mail messages, web blogs, and computer networks.