Parasite Infestations
It has been known for head lice and other skin parasites to be passed on through contact with aircraft seats where previous passengers have been infested. However, this is a rare occurrence, as most airlines carry out thorough cleaning of the cabin and other facilities between flights.
Disinsection
To reduce the international spread of mosquitoes and other insects, a number of countries require spraying of the aircraft passenger compartment with insecticide of all in-bound flights. This process is called disinsection, and may be carried out while the passengers are still in the cabin, in case an insect has been transported on clothing or in baggage. However, in some cases, the aircraft's interior surfaces are treated with a residual insecticide while the aircraft is empty, or the aircraft may be sprayed with an aerosolised insecticide while passengers are not on board.
Health Risks
Although disinsection was declared safe by the World Health Organization in 1995, some crew members and passengers have reported reactions to both the aerosols and insecticides, including burning eyes, respiratory irritation, rashes, and tingling and numbness of the lips and fingertips.
Affected Countries
Countries that require the disinsection of in-bound flights while passengers are not on board include:
- Australia
- Barbados
- Cook Islands
- Fiji
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- Panama
Countries requiring the disinsection of in-bound flights with an aerosolised spray while the passengers are still on board include:
- China
- Cuba
- Czech Republic (only flights from areas of contagious diseases)
- Grenada
- India
- Indonesia (only flights from infected areas)
- Kiribati
- Madagascar
- Seychelles
- South Africa (only flights from areas of malaria or yellow fever)
- Switzerland (only flights from intertropical Africa)
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom (only flights from malarial countries)
- Uruguay
