Measles dynamics on network models with optimal control strategies

• Published in: Advances in difference equations Vol. 2021; no. 1; p. 138
• Main Authors: Xue, Yuyi, Ruan, Xiaoe, Xiao, Yanni
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 27.02.2021; Springer Nature B.V; SpringerOpen
• Subjects: Analysis; Basic reproduction number; Cost allocation; Difference and Functional Equations; Functional Analysis; Heterogeneity; Immunity; Mathematical models; Mathematical Models of Infectious Diseases; Mathematics; Mathematics and Statistics; Measles; Network model; Optimal control; Ordinary Differential Equations; Partial Differential Equations; Threshold dynamics; Threshold dynamics; Basic reproduction number; Network model; Measles; Optimal control
• ISSN: 1687-1839; 1687-1847; 1687-1847
• DOI: 10.1186/s13662-021-03306-y

To investigate the influences of heterogeneity and waning immunity on measles transmission, we formulate a network model with periodic transmission rate, and theoretically examine the threshold dynamics. We numerically find that the waning of immunity can lead to an increase in the basic reproduction number R 0 and the density of infected individuals. Moreover, there exists a critical level for average degree above which R 0 increases quicker in the scale-free network than in the random network. To design the effective control strategies for the subpopulations with different activities, we examine the optimal control problem of the heterogeneous model. Numerical studies suggest us no matter what the network is, we should implement control measures as soon as possible once the outbreak takes off, and particularly, the subpopulation with high connectivity should require high intensity of interventions. However, with delayed initiation of controls, relatively strong control measures should be given to groups with medium degrees. Furthermore, the allocation of costs (or resources) should coincide with their contact patterns.