MATLAB code to simulate the effects of combination of control strategies on the transmission of diphtheria

This research introduced an extensive mathematical model to capture the dynamics of diphtheria transmission. The study examined the interaction of five control measures viz: routine diphtheria vaccination, often administered with tetanus and pertussis vaccines; interventions for symptomatic to isolated treatment transitions; collaborative efforts addressing asymptomatic to home quarantine transitions; surveillance measures for home quarantine to isolated treatment transitions; and vigilance to detect cases in individuals exposed to symptomatic cases. We established the epidemiological viability of the model by proving, among others, its positivity, equilibrium under endemic conditions, equilibrium in the absence of disease, global and local stability and boundedness. Also the sensitivity analysis of the model highlighted the importance of the important variables in influencing disease occurrence and spread. In addition, the control measures significantly impact virus transmission dynamics, and results from simulations demonstrated that combination of these control strategies effectively flattened the curve of diphtheria transmission. These findings provided healthcare professionals and policymakers with valuable insights into crucial measures for eradicating diphtheria from the population.