The effect of integral conditions in certain equations modelling epidemics and population growth

Abstract

Models of epidemics that lead to delay differential equations often have subsidiary integral conditions that are imposed by the interpretation of these models. The neglect of these conditions may lead to solutions that behave in a radically different manner from solutions restricted to obey them. Examples are given of such behavior, including cases where periodic solutions may occur off the natural set defined by these conditions but not on it. A complete stability analysis is also given of a new model of a disease propagated by a vector where these integral conditions play an important role.