Zombie Epidemic -- on Modeling the Effect of Interventions

TL;DR

This paper models a zombie epidemic in Finland using a stochastic agent-based simulation to analyze intervention effects, emphasizing the importance of strict, immediate measures to contain outbreaks.

Contribution

It introduces a novel agent-based simulation model for zombie epidemics incorporating human behavioral responses and geographical data, and evaluates intervention strategies.

Findings

Strict quarantine measures are most effective in stopping the outbreak.

Immediate implementation of interventions significantly reduces epidemic spread.

Simulation results highlight the importance of rapid response in crisis scenarios.

Abstract

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need of studying extreme, life-threatening phenomena in advance. In this article, a zombie epidemic in Uusimaa region in Finland is modeled. A stochastic agent based simulation model is proposed and extensive simulations are conducted for this purpose. The model utilizes knowledge on defensive human behavior during crises. Studying the effects of a hypothetical zombie attack resembles examining the spread of deadly diseases and of rumors. A zombie attack is simulated in the most densely populated region in Finland. The region's exact population densities over its rasterized geographical map are utilized. Furthermore, the simulations are used to study the effect of implementing a (strict or partial) quarantine area in the epicenter. Computationally efficient Scala codes and video animations of the simulated epidemics are provided. The main findings emphasize the importance of implementing very strict measures, without delay, to stop the outbreak.