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Spread of Infection During Airplane Boarding

A research group from FSU used computer simulations to optimize a boarding procedure that would reduce the spread of infection. They found that the transmission of infection was most prevalent during boarding due to the large crowds in close contact. Deplaning was comparatively less significant in infection propagation. After conducting computer simulations, they recommended using two lengthwise columnar sections with randomized section boarding to minimize the spread of infection. This approach loses efficiency but could be useful during an epidemic. They also found that smaller planes reduce disease transmission due to the lack of large crowds.

Networks and bridges are closely related to the spread of disease. Passengers clustered together during boarding are most likely to transmit disease during that period. Infected passengers can return home to spread infection to their family members, coworkers, or other people who they might have close contact with. The connection between passengers can often form a bridge that connects two networks together. These bridges can cause a spread of infection in completely different areas which can be a difficult challenge for public health officials. By changing boarding procedures during an epidemic, officials can decrease the likelihood of spread of infection and formation of these bridges. Although this can increase boarding times and passenger frustration, I believe that public health and safety is more important.

 

Florida State University. “New boarding procedures, smaller cabin size may limit infection on planes: FSU-led research team uses supercomputer simulations to track spread of disease on commercial airliners.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 31 August 2017. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170831151300.htm>.

Sirish Namilae, Pierrot Derjany, Anuj Mubayi, Mathew Scotch, Ashok Srinivasan. Multiscale model for pedestrian and infection dynamics during air travelPhysical Review E, 2017; 95 (5) DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.95.052320

 

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