Models for Zika Virus

Example 1:

This first model is an example of a Causal Chain Analysis model. I used this model because there is not one simple linear path for the way the infection is transmitted between mosquitos, from mosquitos to humans, and from human to human. While it does not explain every nuance of how infection/transmission may occur such as if a certain type of person or mosquito is immune or the possibility that one can be bitten and not contract the virus. I hoped to exemplify the basis understanding with these models before getting into more complex situations.


Example 2:

This model is a Cost-Benefit Analysis of the possible methods for controlling and preventing the spread of Zika. Each set of arrows next to a circle represent the possible pros or cons to that specific method, the up arrow for pros and the down arrow for cons. These cons are more of real world application  issues that may arise from a method proposed, as opposed to a con which expresses a harmful side-effect of the methods of prevention.


Example 3:


The third model is a Situation-Action model which would work best on a computer, but can still be traced using only pen and paper. This model involves probability of events happening and "if/then" situations. It illustrates that simply because a mosquito was not born with the infected Zika gene, it can still become an infector if it comes into contact with an infected human. With this model I chose to solely focus on the mosquito as the agent because it is much more likely for the disease to be transmitted via mosquito-human interactions.