Abstract

WHEN ZOMBIES ATTACK!:!

MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF AN OUTBREAK OF

ZOMBIE INFECTION! ! 

The aim of this abstract is to demonstrate the flexibility of mathematical modelling by showing it on the case of a pandemic zombie outbreak. The author admits that the scenarios are in fact fairly unrealistic, as no such modelling ever has been made, but wants to show nevertheless the most effective model. He demonstrates this by using the commonly known slow, stupid zombie as reference point while comparing five common models of zombie outbreaks, namely the Basic Model, Model with Latent Infection, Model with Quarantine, Model with Treatment and Impulsive Eradication. The results brought comparable results as all models showed that human-zombie co-existence cannot prevail as infection rates and death by zombification overwhelm humankind sooner or later, depending on the model. While model 1 and 2 state that the eradication of humanity is just a matter of several days, and model 3 and 4 state that due to the exponential increase of infected people humankind will be eradicated, simply with a bit of delay. The only model that proved successful for this kind of pandemic is the last model mentioned, the Impulsive Eradication, stating that as soon as the infection spreads, every person affected has to be neutralized. Using given equation the conflict of a zombie outbreak would be dealt with in only ten days, avoiding the extinction of humankind. Even though the scenario of a sudden zombie outbreak is purely fictional, the risk of a global disease is not. The only way to stop a pandemic is to act quickly and decisively.