Abstract

In this paper, we consider the impact of heterogeneous susceptibility on disease transmission dynamics, using a simple mathematical model formulated by a system of ordinary differential equations. Our model describes a time-varying immunity level, which is enhanced by reinfection and diminished by waning immunity. Through mathematical analysis, we show that unexpected outbreaks, called delayed outbreaks, occur even when the basic reproduction number is less than one. A reallocation of susceptibility at the individual level, by repeated infections, in the host population induces delayed outbreaks.