Optimizing Lassa fever outbreak control: A comparative study on the efficacy of contact tracing integration in epidemiological models

Abstract Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa, presents significant public health challenges because of its high mortality rate and potential for rapid spread. Accurate models are crucial for effective outbreak management and resource allocation. As such, this study examines the modelling of Lassa fever transmission through a comparative analysis of two epidemiological models: one incorporating contact tracing and the other without. By integrating epidemiological data and mathematical models, contact tracing and noncontact tracing are performed to investigate the dynamics of the Lassa fever model through reproduction number (R 0). The uniqueness of the solution is tested and confirmed via an invariant property, and through the next generation matrix, the reproduction number is determined. Our findings indicate that the model with integrated contact tracing significantly enhances early detection, reduces the number of secondary infections, and provides a more precise understanding of transmission dynamics. This model also supports more efficient allocation of healthcare resources and bolsters public confidence in health interventions. In contrast, the model without contact tracing tends to underestimate the spread of the virus and fails to optimize resource deployment. The comparative analysis underscores the importance of incorporating contact tracing into Lassa fever models, highlighting its critical role in controlling outbreaks, reducing transmission , and improving public health outcomes. This research advocates the widespread adoption of contact tracing in the modelling and management of Lassa fever and similar infectious diseases.