# A theoretical epidemiological investigation into the transmission of respiratory infectious diseases during group meals among military personnel based on an individual-based model

## TL;DR

This study uses a computer model to show how eating together in military mess halls can spread respiratory diseases and suggests ways to reduce transmission.

## Contribution

The study introduces an individual-based model to simulate and analyze disease transmission dynamics during group meals in military settings.

## Key findings

- Close interactions during food selection can lead to persistent transmission of airborne diseases.
- Staggered dining and mask-wearing can reduce transmission risks during outbreaks.
- Individual-based models are effective for simulating disease spread in small-scale populations.

## Abstract

Within military settings, soldiers are arranged to eat together in a self-service manner for every meal. The process of food selection and consumption often leads to close contact amongst individuals, heightening the risk of respiratory infectious disease transmission. To comprehend the transmission dynamics during communal dining, we have conducted an in-depth epidemiological investigation.

The dining process was divided into two phases: lining up for food and dining at designated seats. Soldiers were randomly split into two queues and entered the food selection area from the same side. The movements of the soldiers dynamically altered both the queues and the contact duration and distance between susceptible individuals and infection sources. We utilized a random computer model using MATLAB software, with the individual as the unit of study, for simulating the food selection process. This model quantitatively analyzed the dynamic process of disease transmission within the queues due to the dispersion of small pathogen-carrying particles.

Our findings indicate that close interactions between individuals during picking up food can result in the persistent transmission of airborne infectious diseases. Implementing measures such as discontinuing buffet-style meals, implementing staggered dining schedules, and mandating mask-wearing during food collection could help control disease transmission during an epidemic.

This study demonstrates that the individual-based model can simulate the dynamic process of disease transmission through complex behavioral activities and is more suitable for conducting research on the dynamics of infectious diseases in small-scale populations. Since this is a simulation conducted in a virtual scenario, the results of the model still need to be verified through field investigations. Nevertheless, once robust outbreak investigation studies have yielded reliable model parameters, these parameters can be adapted to this and other similar situations to demonstrate the potential for transmission.