A new scale-free network model for simulating and predicting epidemics

► Establishes a new scale-free network model for simulating and predicting epidemics. ► The SFE-1 model is accurate for the transmission categories from humans. ► The SFE-2 model is accurate for the transmission categories from insects/vertebrates. ► Compares the different races/ethnicity and transmission categories of AIDS cases in US. ► Prediction results of SFE models could help the government determine policies.