Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of Transmission Dynamics and Control of Hookworms in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Hookworms’ infection is common among children living in rural areas in developing countries especially in Sub-Saharan Africa with serious public health significance. This study presents a mathematical modeling and analysis of transmission dynamics and control of hookworms in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A mathematical model for the transmission of hookworms was developed in an effort to stop the disease. The presence of endemic and disease-free equilibrium points, as well as their stabilities, were the main focus of the model analysis. A mathematical model based on the Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Treated-Public Health Education-Filariform Larvae (SEITPF) compartments for hookworm revealed that the unique endemic equilibrium point is locally asymptotically stable, provided R0 >1. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis of R0 revealed that the parameters with positive index increases the burden of the diseases while those with negative index decreases the burden of the diseases in the study area. Therefore, the study determined the best way of curbing the spread of hookworm infection and other NTDs in the study area through combined application of treatment, public health education and personal hygiene.