A Simplified Fractional Seir Epidemic Model and Unique Inversion of the Fractional Order

Abstract

A simplified linear time-fractional SEIR epidemic system is set forth, and an inverse problem of determining the fractional order is discussed by using the measurement at one given time. By the Laplace transform the solution to the forward problem is obtained, by which the inverse problem is transformed to a nonlinear algebraic equation. By choosing suitable model parameters and the measured time, the nonlinear equation has a unique solution by the monotonicity of the Mittag-Lellfer function. Theoretical testification is presented to demonstrate the unique solvability of the inverse problem.