A Multi-Patch Model of Vibrio cholera Transmission with Food Insecurity and Environmental Coupling: From Theory to Application

We propose a multi-patch model of cholera transmission integrating environmental contamination, human mobility, and nutritional vulnerability. The population is stratified by food security status, and transmission occurs via human contact, bacteria in the environment and contaminated food. We derive the basic reproduction number R0 and analyze the stability of the disease-free equilibria. Numerical simulations illustrate how food insecurity amplifies outbreak severity and mortality. The model highlights the role of spatial heterogeneity and socio-environmental factors in shaping cholera dynamics. Moreover, results show the impact of sinks inside starting epidemic.