Role of incentives on the dynamics of infectious diseases: implications from a mathematical model

In the present study, we assess the impact of incentives provided by the government on the dynamics of infectious diseases that spread due to the direct contacts of susceptibles with the infectives and also through the environmental contamination of those diseases. To this, we develop a mathematical model which comprises susceptible individuals, infected individuals, environmental contamination and the incentive provided by the government healthcare officials as dynamic variables. The proposed epidemic model is analyzed mathematically as well as numerically. System’s dynamics have been mainly studied about the disease-free and interior equilibrium points. We perform some sensitivity tests to find out model parameters that can have major roles in regulating the epidemic pattern. Our findings show that the disease could be effectively controlled by reducing the contact rate of susceptibles with the infected individuals and also their exposure to the environmental contamination. This could be possible by raising awareness among the public and using disinfectants of high quality for removing contaminants from the environment. These results suggest to increase the incentive amount in the areas facing rapid incline in the number of infected cases and the level of environmental contamination.