how such slow dynamics can prevent estimation of the distance to the threshold from fluctuations in the susceptible population .
The estimation approach is general
Here , we show analytically how such slow dynamics can prevent estimation of the distance to the threshold from fluctuations in the susceptible population .
The estimation approach is general and may be applicable to zoonotic pathogens such as Middle East respiratory syndrome - related coronavirus ( MERS - CoV ) as well as vaccine - preventable diseases like measles .