Stochastic epidemiologic modeling using a microcomputer spreadsheet package

A stochastic epidemiologic simulation model was created using a microcomputer spreadsheet package. The model (III) simulated a modified Reed-Frost model. The modifications were (1) vaccination was permitted in the population, (2) vaccinal immunity waned and was random and (3) the number of effective contacts varied randomly among periods. The methodology presented in this paper should enable the reader to recreate this or other stochastic simulation models. Sample output results were reported to illustrate the potential use of stochastic epidemiologic modeling using a spreadsheet package.