Projects

Excess mortality and sick leave related to seasonal influenza

Influenza causes significant mortality in elderly, and the cost to society from lost productivity during winter epidemics is considerable. Influenza-related illness and mortality is difficult to estimate because it is often diagnosed by secondary complications of the infection.

Spatial spread of seasonal influenza in Norway

The aim is to study long-range dissemination of influenza in the population. We use wavelet phase analysis of surveillance data to study the spatial synchrony in timing of seasonal epidemics in different regions of the country.

The effectiveness of antiviral and vaccination to mitigate the A-H1N1 pandemic influenza

To evaluate the intervention policy in Norway, we fit dynamic transmission models incorporating weekly data on vaccine uptake and tamiflu prescriptions during the pandemic outbreak.

Cost-effectiveness of school clusure during an influenza pandemic

We use dynamic modeling to estimate the cost to society and health benefit related to extended or age-limited school closure.

Internet dating among MSM (men who have sex with men)

Internet dating has become increasingly popular and a socially acceptable way of meeting partners. We study the demographic contact patterns among MSM with use of data from an internet dating community.

Unbiased estimation of degree correlation in empirical networks

Estimation of the correlation between contact numbers (degree correlation) in highly skewed networks is complicated by structural constraints. We work at developing a statistical method that can correct for this bias.

Rotavirus transmission and the impact of vaccination

New rotavirus vaccines have been licensed. With use of a ransmission model we estimate the health impact and cost-effectiveness of introduction of rotavirus vaccines in Cental Asian countries. Further, we collaborate with other modeling groups on data sets from developed countries to quantify rotavirus transmission in the population and to improve the assessment of vaccination impact.

The re-emergence of whooping cough in Norway

Researchers at Penn State University has developed a model with immune boosting to explain the age-specific distribution in the re-emergence of whooping cough. We collaborate with the modeling group and health authorities to help inform policy decision on introduction of teenage booster vaccine in Norway.
 

Published Feb. 22, 2011 6:28 PM - Last modified Mar. 17, 2011 5:12 PM