Mathematical Model Analysis for Dynamics and Control of Yellow Fever and Malaria Disease Co-Infections

Abstract

Yellow fever (YF) and malaria co-infections are real public health concerns in Africa, especially in countries such as Nigeria, where mosquitoes carrying both pathogens (Aedes for YF, Anopheles for malaria) coexist. A mathematical model that considers the critical factors influencing the transmission dynamics and control interventions of YF and malaria co-infections is formulated and used to analyse the problem. The essential dynamical features of the model, such as the basic reproduction number and disease-free equilibrium, are determined and analysed. The qualitative analysis of the model illustrates the conditions under which the disease can be eradicated or persists. Further analysis, supported by numerical simulations, reveals the intrinsic dynamics of the model and the impact of control interventions such as yellow fever vaccination, use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, treatment of malaria-infected humans, and use of insecticides. The results of the analysis demonstrate the impact of interventions; specifically, effective implementations of interventions such as yellow fever vaccination, use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and use of insecticides appear to have a significant impact in eradicating YF and malaria co-infections in endemic areas. Effective treatment of malaria-infected humans may lead to a decrease in infections but might not necessarily lead to eradicating infections in endemic areas. These findings are expected to aid in improving the management of YF and malaria co-infections in endemic regions for expeditious disease eradication.