Dr Ather. Pasha, Senior Consultant Internal medicine, CARE Hospitals, Banjarahills

How this could lead to cross-contamination risks in public spaces and the potential health issues arising from these unhygienic practices?

Using shared trays for footwear and personal items poses a significant risk of cross-contamination. Shoes often harbor dirt, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms from various environments. When placed in the same trays as personal belongings like laptops and wallets, these items can become contaminated. This is particularly concerning in public spaces, where pathogens can survive on surfaces for extended periods, increasing the risk of transmission to travelers, including respiratory viruses like the common cold and flu.

How it affects vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children and elderlies?

Vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and the elderly face increased infection risks due to poor hygiene practices. Children can easily transfer pathogens from contaminated surfaces to their mouths or noses, leading to illnesses. Pregnant women, with weakened immune responses, are more susceptible to infections that could affect both their health and their unborn child. Similarly, older adults with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of severe health complications from infections.

Tips to prevent the spread of infectious diseases

To reduce the risk of infectious diseases in airports, implementing key measures is crucial. Airports should use separate trays for shoes and personal items to prevent cross-contamination, and ensure regular cleaning and sanitizing of trays and security equipment. Encouraging frequent hand washing or the use of hand sanitizer, utilizing contactless technology to minimize surface contact, and raising public awareness through signage and announcements are also essential steps to enhance traveler safety and minimize infection risks.

Health consequences of poor sanitation

Poor sanitation in public spaces can lead to serious health consequences, including outbreaks of influenza, norovirus, and gastrointestinal infections. These illnesses pose significant risks, especially to vulnerable populations, potentially resulting in hospitalizations and fatalities. The economic burden of treating such diseases also strains healthcare systems, increasing costs and causing productivity losses due to absenteeism. Moreover, inadequate sanitation can erode public trust in health and safety standards, highlighting the need for stringent hygiene practices in public areas.