International spread of disease by air travel.

Rapid air travel has increased the potential for international transmission of infectious diseases. Important aspects of this problem include the transmission of foodborne and waterborne illnesses, the translocation of insect vectors, the rapid transport of individuals with incubating illnesses, the direct transmission of diseases inside aircraft and the transmission of zoonoses through animal transport. Infectious outbreaks on aircraft and in the vicinity of airports have included influenza, staphylococcal gastroenteritis, salmonellosis, cholera and malaria.