Bifurcation analysis of a delayed epidemic model

In this paper, Hopf bifurcation for a delayed SIS epidemic model with stage structure and nonlinear incidence rate is investigated. Through theoretical analysis, we show the positive equilibrium stability and the conditions that Hopf bifurcation occurs. Applying the normal form theory and the center manifold argument, we derive the explicit formulas determining the properties of the bifurcating periodic solutions. In addition, we also study the effect of the inhibition effect on the properties of the bifurcating periodic solutions. To illustrate our theoretical analysis, some numerical simulations are also included. Crown Copyright 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.