Modeling and simulating cholera transmission dynamics with evolutionary game theory

Cholera, a highly debilitating gastrointestinal disease caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, continues to be a significant public health issue in many countries and regions around the globe. Conventional epidemiological models often fail to adequately account for the strategic connections between individuals and how these interactions influence disease spread. This paper examines cholera dynamics using evolutionary game theory and proposes a novel paradigm for analyzing the impact of human behavior and strategic decision-making on cholera transmission. The model incorporates the evolutionary stability of the tactics people employ, such as vaccination, hygiene practices, and disease treatment, while accounting for diverse environmental and social variables. Results have been obtained on the factors that either encourage or impede the spread of cholera using analytical and numerical methods, underscoring the need to implement behavioral interventions alongside medical and infrastructural measures. The findings offer novel insights into public health strategies for controlling cholera outbreaks and promoting community resilience to infectious diseases.