Question

Consider the following strains of an influenza virus and their basic reproduction numbers (\(R_0\)). Assuming that they are all equally virulent, which one of the following strains would be most concerning for a completely vulnerable population of humans?

• A. α-strain with \( R_0 = 4.0 \)
• B. β-strain with \( R_0 = 1.0 \)
• C. γ-strain with \( R_0 = 0.5 \)
• D. δ-strain with \( R_0 = 0.2 \)

Hint:

The higher the \(R_0\) value, the more contagious the virus is, making it a greater threat to a completely vulnerable population.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the basic reproduction number (\(R_0\)).
The basic reproduction number (\(R_0\)) represents the average number of secondary infections produced by a single infected individual in a completely susceptible population. A higher \(R_0\) indicates a more contagious strain.

Step 2: Analyzing the strains.
- (A) α-strain with \(R_0 = 4.0\): This strain has the highest \(R_0\) and would be the most concerning because it spreads more easily in a vulnerable population.
- (B) β-strain with \(R_0 = 1.0\): This strain has a moderate \(R_0\), so it is less concerning than the α-strain.
- (C) γ-strain with \(R_0 = 0.5\): This strain has a low \(R_0\), so it is less concerning than the β-strain.
- (D) δ-strain with \(R_0 = 0.2\): This strain has the lowest \(R_0\) and would spread less, making it less concerning.