  In this paper we present ACEMod, an agent-based modelling framework for
studying influenza epidemics in Australia. The simulator is designed to analyse
the spatiotemporal spread of contagion and influenza spatial synchrony across
the nation. The individual-based epidemiological model accounts for mobility
(worker and student commuting) patterns and human interactions derived from the
2006 Australian census and other national data sources. The high-precision
simulation comprises 19.8 million stochastically generated software agents and
traces the dynamics of influenza viral infection and transmission at several
scales. Using this approach, we are able to synthesise epidemics in Australia
with varying outbreak locations and severity. For each scenario, we investigate
the spatiotemporal profiles of these epidemics, both qualitatively and
quantitatively, via incidence curves, prevalence choropleths, and epidemic
synchrony. This analysis exemplifies the nature of influenza pandemics within
Australia and facilitates future planning of effective intervention, mitigation
and crisis management strategies.
