OPTIMAL CONTROL OF A VECTOR-HOST EPIDEMICS MODEL

In this paper, a vector-host epidemic model with control measures is considered to assess the impact of control measures on the prevalence of the vector-host diseases. We incorporated mosquito-reduction strategy and host medical treatment into the model. For the basic vector-host model, we provide sufficient conditions for the local stability of the disease free equilibrium (DFE) and the sensitivity analysis for the reproduction number with respect to the model parameters. Using the optimal control theory, the optimal levels of the two controls are characterized, and then the existence and uniqueness for the optimal control pair are established. Numerical simulations are further conducted to confirm and extend the analytical results. Numerical results suggest that optimal multi-control strategy is a more beneficial choice in fighting the outbreak of vector-host diseases. For the vector-host epidemics, vector control measures should be taken prior to other measures.