This may seem like some far fetched click-bait, however it is not. The WHO have advised this procedure to all Countries airlines receiving passenger planes from potentially Zika affected areas.
Here is the UK’s Government Website announcement of the procedure published back in February of this year:
All aircraft returning to the UK from countries currently affected by active Zika virus transmission will be sprayed with insecticide as part of a comprehensive government response to the disease.
On Monday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the issue of microcephaly – which may be linked to Zika – a public health emergency of international concern.
As a precautionary measure, the government is asking airlines to ensure that disinsection (spraying with insecticide) takes place on all flights to the UK from countries with confirmed transmission of Zika.
Disinsection involves spraying a simple insecticide inside the aircraft to reduce the risk of passengers being bitten by any mosquitoes that could have entered the aircraft. It already occurs on the majority of flights from the region as a precaution against malaria.
If the Government announcement doesn’t quite convince you that this practice will actually get carried out then here is some footage a passenger caught on video of this very procedure taking place:
In this next video the individual filming was asked to “Stop recording”:
https://youtu.be/oAkM_Ps5-gM
Since the spraying began, passengers have reported flu-like symptoms, sinus issues, rash/hives, headaches, and swollen joints- and that’s just some of what’s been reported; far more serious issues like acute respiratory problems and anaphylactic shock have also occurred. But don’t worry, the WHO says there is no evidence that spraying insecticide in enclosed spaces, onto people, is dangerous.
The most common pesticides used on airplanes are the synthetic pyrethroids permethrin and d-phenothrin (they kill insects by attacking their nervous systems) and studies have linked permethrin with Parkinson’s disease. But remember, the World Health Organization says it’s just fine. – Natural Health
So if planning on taking a plane this year it maybe worth checking with your flight operator whether the airline will be spraying the cabins with toxic chemicals – If the Zika doesn’t get you, this stuff will!