AN SIS INFECTION MODEL INCORPORATING MEDIA COVERAGE

We develop a model to explore the impact of media coverage on the control of spreading of emerging or reemerging infectious diseases in a given population. The model can have up to two equilibria: a disease free equilibrium and a unique endemic equilibrium. Stability analysis of the model shows that the disease free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable if the reproduction number R-0 is less than unity, and the endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when it exists. Though the media coverage itself is not a determined fact to eradicate the infection of the diseases, the analysis of model indicates that, to a certain extent, the more media coverage in a given population, the less number of individuals will be infected. Therefore, media coverage is critical for educating people in understanding the possibility of being infected by the disease.