Analysis, Simulation and Control of a New Measles Epidemic Model
In this paper the problem of modeling and controlling the measles epidemic spread is faced. A new model
is proposed and analysed; besides the categories usually considered in measles modeling, the susceptible,
the exposed, the infected, the removed and, less frequently, the quarantine individuals, two new categories
are herein introduced: the immunosuppressed subjects, that can not be vaccinated, and the patients with an
additional complication, not risky by itself but dangerous if caught togeter with the measles. These two
novelties are taken into account in designing and scheduling suitably control actions such as vaccination,
whenever possible, prevention, quarantine and treatment, when limited resources are available. An analysis of
the model is developed and the optimal control strategies are compared with other not optimized actions. By
using the Pontryagin principle, it is shown the prevailing role of the vaccination in guaranteeing the protection
to immunosuppressed individuals, as well as the importance of a prompt response of the society when an
epidemic spread occurs, such as the quarantine intervention.