An optimal control model of mosquito reduction management in a dengue endemic region

Abstract

Aedes aegypti is known as the responsible vector in transmitting dengue flavivirus. Unavailability of medication to cure the transmission in human blood becomes a global health issue in recent decades. World epidemiologists are encouraged to focus on investigation toward an effective and inexpensive way to prevent dengue transmission, i.e. mosquito control. In this paper, we present a model depicting the dynamics of mosquito population based on indoor–outdoor life cycle classification. The basic mosquito offspring number is obtained and analysis of equilibria is shown. We bring along a discussion on application of optimal control model which engineers two simultaneous schemes. The first scheme is done by disseminating chemical like Temephos in spots where eggs and larvae develop, meanwhile the second scheme is done by conducting fumigation through areas where adult mosquitoes prevalently nest, indoor as well as outdoor. A version of gradient-based method is presented to set down a workflow in minimizing the objective functional with respect to control variable. Numerical results from analysis of the basic mosquito offspring number with constant control and from optimal control suggest that one has to enhance the usage of fumigation rather than Temephos. It is also suggested that applying both control schemes simultaneously gives the most significant reduction to the population.