A discrete SIS model of fractional order (Q2113752)

Summary: In this work, we introduce two epidemic fractional difference equation models and derive their explicit solutions. The presented model is of the Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible class, which assumes that the disease is spread from susceptible to infected individuals who join the group of susceptible after recovery. The model is constructed using the fractional difference operators defined in [\textit{C. Goodrich} and \textit{A. C. Peterson}, Discrete fractional calculus. Cham: Springer (2015; Zbl 1350.39001)], which sets it apart from the few existing discrete fractional epidemic model formulations. The unique solution of the presented fractional difference epidemic models is derived and relations to existing discrete SIS models are discussed.