Degree centrality is important in epidemiology for several reasons:
Identifying Super Spreaders: In any outbreak, there are often a few individuals responsible for a large number of secondary cases. These super spreaders typically have higher degree centrality, and identifying them can help in controlling the outbreak efficiently. Optimizing Resource Allocation: Public health resources are often limited. By focusing on nodes with high degree centrality, health authorities can optimize the allocation of interventions such as vaccines or educational campaigns. Improving Disease Models: Incorporating degree centrality into epidemiological models can improve the accuracy of predictions regarding disease spread, helping to inform policy decisions and response strategies.
