In this work, we examine a fractional-order model for simulating the spread of the monkeypox virus in the human host and rodent populations. The employment of the fractional form of the model gives a better insight into the dynamics and spread of the virus, which will help in providing some new control measures. The model is formulated into eight mutually exclusive compartments and the form of a nonlinear system of differential equations. The reproduction number for the present epidemic system is found. In addition, the equilibrium points of the model are investigated and the associated stability analysis is carried out. The influences of key parameters in the model and the ways to control the monkeypox epidemic have been thoroughly examined for the fractional model. To ensure that the model accurately simulates the nonlinear phenomenon, we adapt an efficient numerical technique to solve the presented model, and the acquired results reveal the dynamic behaviors of the model. It is observed that when memory influences are considered for the present model, through Caputo fractional-order derivatives, they affect the speed and time taken by solution trajectories towards steady-state equilibria.
Keywords: Basic reproduction number; Epidemics; Equilibrium points; Fractional Caputo derivatives; Monkeypox virus; Stability.
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