We consider the spread of infectious disease through contact networks of ConfigurationModel type. We assume that the disease spreads through contacts and infected individualsrecover into an immune state. We discuss a number of existing mathematical models used toinvestigate this system, and show relations between the underlying assumptions of themodels. In the process we offer simplifications of some of the existing models. Thedistinctions between the underlying assumptions are subtle, and in many if not most casesthis subtlety is irrelevant. Indeed, under appropriate conditions the models areequivalent. We compare the benefits and disadvantages of the different models, and discusstheir application to other populations (e.g., clustered networks).Finally we discuss ongoing challenges for network-based epidemic modeling.
