1. Mathematical modelling of non-pharmaceutical interventions to control infectious diseases: application to COVID-19 in Kenya.
- Author
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Ogana, Wandera, Juma, Victor Ogesa, Bulimo, Wallace D., Adenane, Rim, Rachik, Mostafa, and Madubueze, Chinwendu
- Subjects
BASIC reproduction number ,COMMUNICABLE diseases ,COVID-19 ,INFECTIOUS disease transmission ,MATHEMATICAL models ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
Introduction: The first case of COVID-19 in Kenya was reported on March 13, 2020, prompting the collection of baseline data during the initial spread of the disease. Subsequently, the Kenyan government implemented non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on April 9, 2020, to mitigate disease transmission over a two-month period. These measures were later gradually relaxed starting from June 9, 2020. Methods: We applied a deterministic mathematical model to simulate the dynamics of COVID-19 transmission in Kenya. Using baseline data, we estimated transmission and recovery rates and proposed a mathematical model of how NPIs affect disease transmission rates. The model extends to interventions that yield an increase in disease transmission, unlike previous models that were limited to a decrease in transmission. We computed the mitigation and relaxation fractions and hence deduced the impact of the interventions. Results: The mitigation measures imposed from April 9, 2020, reduced the disease transmission by 43.7% from the baseline level, while the relaxation from June 9, 2020, increased the transmission by 32% over the mitigation level. Without intervention, the model predicts that infections would have peaked at 30% by late May 2020. However, due to the combined effect of mitigation and relaxation, the epidemic peaked at 13% infection in mid-July 2020. Discussion: The model's projections closely align with observed data, providing valuable insights for planning. Ongoing research aims to refine the model to capture sub-waves and spikes, as well as simulate multiple waves of infection. These efforts will enhance our understanding of COVID-19 dynamics and inform effective public health strategies. The estimated basic reproduction number = 2.76, consistent with previous findings, underscores the validity of our model and its relevance in predicting disease transmission dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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