Effect of mosquito repellent on the transmission model of chikungunya fever

Abstract

Problem statement: In 2008 there was a large outbreak of Chikungunya fever in southern Thailand. Chikungunya fever is an emerging disease which tends to affect rubber plantation and fruit orchard workers more than other occupation. This study we considers the efficacy of using mosquito repellent as a way to prevent and control the spread of Chikungunya fever. The mathematical model of the dynamic of this disease is proposed and analyzed. Approach: A standard dynamical modeling method was applied for analysis the dynamical model. The stability of the model was determined by using Routh-Hurwitz criteria. Results: The conditions for disease free and endemic state are found. To determine the basic reproductive number (R 0 ) which is the threshold parameter, if R 0 < 1, the disease free equilibrium point is locally asymptotically stable. If R 0 > 1, there exist the endemic equilibrium state, which is locally asymptotically stable. Conclusion: It was found that the use of mosquito repellent significantly reduce transmission and infection of this disease which it may be an alternative intervention for communities to prevent and control the disease. © 2012 Science Publications.