Mathematical modelling of co-infection of Lassa fever and COVID-19

Abstract

The prevalence of Lassa fever (LF) and COVID-19 co-infections has been increasing, primarily because their modes of transmission are closely related, making individuals highly susceptible to co-infections. While there is no vaccine for LF, COVID-19 has one. Due to their significant implications, this situation necessitates implementing effective control measures to prevent a co-epidemic of these two diseases in our society. To address this, a deterministic model for LF and the COVID-19 epidemic is considered, highlighting consequences that should be addressed to avoid the challenges associated with a co-epidemic. The model undergoes qualitative analysis, and the primary reproduction number (R0) is derived. Criteria for the stability of each model equilibrium are established. The model is numerically solved and simulated for different co-epidemic scenarios, and the findings from these simulations are discussed.