A aviação como vetor de disseminação de enfermidades : "as doenças que vêm voando"

Abstract

The air transport model has been consolidated as one of the most important economic markets in the past decades. The growing need for travelling more and more to farther regions around the globe has boosted the aeronautical industry in a significant way. However, the transportation of humans also entails the transportation of undesirable viruses and diseases. This study proposes the analysis of the influence of air transport in the spread of these viruses. In order to do so, we conduct a historical review on the evolution of some of the most impactful outbreaks ever experienced, focusing on the H1N1(2009) and on the Zika (2015-2016) epidemics. Through this analysis, we can clearly demonstrate that the growth in the air market - illustrated by larger aircraft, more locations being linked, and more operational technology, impact on more people flying and, consequently, more diseases being spread. Despite the efforts on behalf of aviation and health authorities and the use of technology, there is the need for more studies and research to develop strategies that can mitigate these consequences.