Mathematical modeling and optimal control strategy for the influenza (H5N1)

Abstract

This study aims to examine the optimal control strategy for a continuous-time mathematical model of avian influenza. The model comprises eleven compartments, with our focus directed at five categories: potential groups, vulnerable groups, symptomatic virus carriers, asymptomatic virus carriers, virus carriers with severe complications, and virus carriers with complications of lesser severity. Our objective is to identify an effective strategy for diminishing the number of critically ill patients with avian flu and for treating carriers of the avian flu virus. We investigate three control approaches: awareness programs through education and information dissemination, treatment, and psychological support with ongoing monitoring. The Pontryagin’s principle of continuous-time maximum is employed to delineate the optimal controls. The study employs MATLAB software for numerical simulations, and the results obtained validate the efficacy of the optimization strategy. Keywords: Avian influenza; Optimal control; Avian disease.