A model of cholera transmission with hyperinfectivity and its optimal vaccination control

The use of cholera vaccines has been increasingly recognized as an effective control measure in cholera endemic countries. Also, the disease transmissions are getting more complicated and thus comprehensive strategies to implement public health control measures are worthwhile to be investigated. In this paper, we aim to better understand the effects of HI states of vibrios from the environment and from human contacts that cause cholera outbreaks. We also present and analyze our cholera mathematical model with vaccine incorporated. Equilibrium analysis is conducted in the case with constant control for both epidemic and endemic dynamics. Optimal control theory is applied to seek cost-effective solutions of time-dependent vaccination strategies against cholera outbreaks. Our results show that using vaccination during cholera outbreaks at the very beginning of the onset can reduce the number of infections significantly.