A new compartmentalized epidemic model to analytically study the impact of awareness on the control and mitigation of the monkeypox disease

Abstract

Monkeypox (Mpox) is a viral disease primarily affecting animals that can occasionally be transmitted to humans. While it can cause a rash and flu-like symptoms, it is generally less severe than smallpox. Awareness of the disease, proper preventive measures, and timely medical care are essential in managing and controlling Mpox outbreaks. We develop a new compartmentalized mathematical model to study the impact of intense awareness on the control and mitigation of the Mpox disease. The model captures the dynamics of humans and hosts (mammals) in transmitting Mpox disease while the human susceptible population was stratified into two subgroups of aware and unaware individuals. The model is analytically analyzed, and the simulation shows the prospect of an effective public awareness campaign program in reducing the cumulative incidence (new cases) of Mpox disease. Furthermore, the results suggest the need for consistency and continuous awareness program, adhering to public health measures to increase awareness of the Mpox disease.

Keywords

• Monkeypox
• Control reproduction number
• Sensitivity analysis
• Contour plot
• Parameter estimation
• Mathematical modeling