Epidemics insist: 'we are not equal'

Abstract: Data obtained during an epidemic show a wide variety of heterogeneities The number of infected people by gender is usually not equal—nor is the number of individuals affected by age or geographic location. One can easily think of other variables that distinguish individuals affected by an epidemic. In this talk, we will present some examples of the above and offer mathematical alternatives for studying this information, including the possibility of obtaining entirely new information. For example, can we determine from the fact that different age groups are not infected equally, which group gets infected first and deduce from this a possible causal relationship? How can we use the data to determine who is possibly introducing the disease into the family group? That question and several related ones will be explored, paying attention to which model best describes the phenomenon and is possibly the best predictor.

Semblance: He studied for a bachelor's degree in mathematics at UNAM, where he also completed his master's degree in mathematics. His PhD degree was obtained in biology and mathematics by the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Germany in 1985.
Upon his return to Mexico, he worked briefly for the Instituto de Matematicas, UNAM (IMATE), before joining CIMAT in 1986. His administrative experience includes being director of the Faculty of Mathematics.
At CIMAT he holds the position of Postgraduate Coordinator.
His research interests have always remained in the area between biology and mathematics. Initially with models of the human immune system, modeling of the heart and neuronal electrical activity, to finally focus on population dynamics and epidemiological models. His current interest is in Eco-epidemiology, infectious diseases and their control.