An Optimal Control Study of Ebola Transmission Incorporating Enlightenment and Drug Effectiveness

Source abstract

This study presents a mathematical model for the transmission dynamics of Ebola virus disease, incorporating two key control strategies: public enlightenment and drug effectiveness. Using optimal control theory, the effect of these interventions on the spread of the disease was analyzed and conditions under which the spread can be significantly reduced were identified. Basic properties of the model were analyzed and optimal control method using enlightenment and drug effectiveness as controls in the model was used to determine how to manage the spread of the disease. Numerical simulations with control measures and without control were carried out. Our results demonstrate that enlightenment campaigns which include public awareness, hygiene practices, and early reporting play a critical role in reducing the contact rate and enhancing community response. When applied optimally, these strategies significantly reduce the number of infected individuals over time. Similarly, the inclusion of drug effectiveness in the model, representing therapeutic interventions or supportive care, shows a marked decrease in both infection and death rates when optimally applied. The results obtained showed that the spread of the disease could be considerably reduced with drug effectiveness and enlightenment of the populace about the risk factors involved.