A model for cholera with infectiousness of deceased individuals and vaccination

Abstract

A cholera transmission model is formulated that incorporates water-borne and horizontal transmissions as well as infectivity of deceased individuals. The model includes an Allee effect for the bacteria in the environment and imperfect and waning vaccination. Mathematical properties of the model are investigated, with an environmental bistability shown to combine with a vaccine-driven one, although a computational search for the latter fails to detect its presence in realistic parameter ranges. The computational analysis also considers the interplay between vaccination strategy, vaccine efficacy and waning, as well as the effect of transmission of the disease during funeral rites. The effect of control scenarios such as WASH or Safe and dignified burials are assessed.