Dubai flight illness was probably influenza, health officials say
▶ Flight EK203 from the UAE was quarantined at New York airport and passengers tested
Passengers and crew who fell ill during an Emirates airlines flight from Dubai are probably suffering from influenza, New York health officials say.
Flight EK203 was quarantined at John F Kennedy Airport in New York on Wednesday morning amid reports that dozens onboard were sick.
Dr Oxiris Barbot, acting commissioner of the New York City Department of Health, said samples were taken from 10 patients and were being tested at the city’s public health laboratory. Results were expected soon.
“It looks like this is probably influenza,” Dr Barbot said. “But until we have our final results late tonight we won’t be able to give a final determination of what the underlying cause of this illness is.”
The US Centres for Disease Control says the typical incubation period for influenza is between one and four days. Adults can infect others before they develop symptoms.
The authority first said about 100 people complained of symptoms but it is now thought many did not need treatment, only reassurance.
The authority later said 11 people were taken to hospital and the rest were discharged.
“We are requesting the passengers who have been evaluated and released to call their provider and health department if they develop any symptoms, and to give their travel history and report of incident,” it said.
“They may receive a follow-up call from their health department just as a check-in.”
Emirates said three passengers and seven crew members were transferred to hospital for evaluation.
All of the passengers were screened by the local health authorities before leaving the plane, with nine needing more tests. They were later discharged.
“Our crew and on-ground staff extended our full co-operation with the authorities during the onboard screenings and the aircraft has now been handed back to Emirates,” the airline said.
“We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused. The safety and well-being of our customers and crew is always our top priority.”
Erin Sykes, a New Yorker travelling on the flight, told
The National passengers were coughing and “sick to their stomachs”.
“Most were sick well before the flight took off,” Ms Sykes said.
“It was obvious some people should never have been allowed to board. They were coughing and not covering their mouths. Then other passengers started to get sick.”
She was one of several passengers, including the American rapper Vanilla Ice, who tweeted videos and pictures of the ambulances and police cars surrounding the plane.
Some people should never have been allowed to board. They were coughing, then others started to get sick ERIN SYKES Passenger