- Letter
Multistability and high codimension bifurcations in synergistic epidemics on heterogeneous networks
Phys. Rev. E 112, L032301 – Published 2 September, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/pnvl-zkq7
Abstract
We investigate the impact of network heterogeneity on synergistic contagion dynamics. By extending a synergistic contagion model to diverse heterogeneous network topologies, we uncover the emergence of novel dynamical regimes characterized by multiple stable states, separated by a rich set of bifurcations reaching up to codimension 4. Additionally, we demonstrate how synergy fundamentally reshapes the influence of nodes based on their degree. Unlike in nonsynergistic epidemics, low-degree nodes can play a pivotal role in enabling network invasion at the onset of spread, while high-degree nodes can trigger explosive contagion. These findings challenge conventional control strategies, highlighting the need for new approaches to enhance or suppress synergistic contagion.