Evaluating Vector and Human Control Strategies for Dengue Transmission in the Philippines in the Absence of Vaccination

Dengue remains one of the most critical public health challenges in the Philippines. In the absence of an effective vaccine, the most practical means of mitigating its spread involve reducing the mosquitopopulationandminimizinghumanexposuretomosquitobites. Thisstudyintroducesvectorand human-based control strategies, with a particular emphasis on transmission reduction. A modified SIR dengue model, based on the work of de los Reyes and Escaner, is used to incorporate these interventions. Numerical simulations are conducted to evaluate the impact of the proposed controls when applied individually and in combination. The results show that sustained maximum control efforts throughout the year significantly reduce infection levels. Notably, the simultaneous implementation of both strategies at full intensity yields the most substantial decline in dengue cases. Additionally, the findings suggest that lower control weightings may be more effective in certain scenarios, offering a cost-efficient approach to outbreak management. These insights can aid public health authorities in designing more effective dengue prevention programs in the absence of vaccination. 2020 Mathematics Subject Classification. 92D30. Key words and phrases. vector control; human control; dengue vaccine; optimal control; Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle.