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Epidemic influenza in Greater London

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2009

C. C. Spicer
Affiliation:
Department of Mathematical Statistics and Operational Research, University of Exeter, Streatham Court, Rennes Drive, Exeter, EX4 4PU
C. J. Lawrence
Affiliation:
Department of Mathematical Statistics and Operational Research, University of Exeter, Streatham Court, Rennes Drive, Exeter, EX4 4PU
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Summary

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The Kermack & McKendrick theory of epidemics has been applied to data on deaths from influenza and influenzal pneumonia in Greater London in the years 1950–78. As a whole the theory gives a good description of the data, and the estimated values of the parameters can be plausibly related to the natural history of the disease. However, the possibility exists that the agreement is merely empirical, and field studies would be required to confirm its validity.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1984

References

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