Mathematical and Stability Analysis of Dengue–Malaria Co-Infection with Disease Control Strategies

• Published in: Mathematics (Basel) Vol. 11; no. 22; p. 4600
• Main Authors: Butt, Azhar Iqbal Kashif, Imran, Muhammad, McKinney, Brett A, Batool, Saira, Aftab, Hassan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-11-2023
• Subjects: Analysis; Control; control analysis; Dengue; Dengue fever; dengue–malaria co-infection; Disease control; Epidemics; Epidemiology; Health aspects; Illnesses; Infection; Infection control; Infections; Malaria; mathematical model; Mathematical models; Mosquitoes; Parameter identification; Parameter sensitivity; Partial differential equations; Public health; Sensitivity analysis; Spraying; Stability analysis; Tropical diseases; Vectors (Biology); Viral diseases; Viruses; Vomiting
• ISSN: 2227-7390; 2227-7390
• DOI: 10.3390/math11224600

Historically, humans have been infected by mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever and malaria fever. There is an urgent need for comprehensive methods in the prevention, control, and awareness of the hazards posed by dengue and malaria fever to public health. We propose a new mathematical model for dengue and malaria co-infection with the aim of comprehending disease dynamics better and developing more efficient control strategies in light of the threat posed to public health by co-infection. The proposed mathematical model comprises four time-dependent vector population classes (SEIdIm) and seven host population classes (SEIdImIdmTR). First, we show that the proposed model is well defined by proving that it is bounded and positive in a feasible region. We further identify the equilibrium states of the model, including disease-free and endemic equilibrium points, where we perform stability analysis at equilibrium points. Then, we determine the reproduction number R0 to measure the level of disease containment. We perform a sensitivity analysis of the model’s parameters to identify the most critical ones for potential control strategies. We also prove that the proposed model is well posed. Finally, the article examines three distinct co-infection control measures, including spraying or killing vectors, taking precautions for one’s own safety, and reducing the infectious contact between the host and vector populations. The control analysis of the proposed model reveals that all control parameters are effective in disease control. However, self-precaution is the most effective and accessible method, and the reduction of the vector population through spraying is the second most effective strategy to implement. Disease eradication is attainable as the vector population decreases. The effectiveness of the implemented strategies is also illustrated with the help of graphs.