Vector surveillance and control at points of entry and onboard conveyances: meeting report, 19 and 21 November and 10-11 December 2024 

In 2024, the total number of dengue cases worldwide reached a record high of more than 14 million, with approximately 11 000 of these cases resulting in death. In response, governments in many countries contacted the World Health Organization (WHO) for information about the methods and procedures for disinsection of aircraft and other international conveyances, to stop the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue. Under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR), treatment of conveyances with insecticide in a procedure referred to as “disinsection” is defined as “the procedure whereby health measures are taken to control or kill the insect vectors of human diseases present in baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances, goods and postal parcels”. Disinsection is recommended when vector control measures are deemed necessary. The aim is to prevent the dispersal of arthropod vectors internationally and to limit the worldwide transmission of vector-borne diseases. 

Following reviews of the evidence on the effectiveness of disinsection of conveyances to prevent or reduce the spread of mosquito vectors via international travel, WHO convened a virtual meeting of external experts in the fields of vector surveillance and control, public health, aviation and points of entry, among others, to re-evaluate the evidence, and identify gaps and research needs. This report contains the views of an international group of experts and does not necessarily represent the decisions or the stated policy of the World Health Organization.