April 29, 2009. CDC Provides Guidance for Airline Crew in Identifying Swine Flu
| SOURCE: | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
A new swine influenza A (H1N1) virus has infected humans in the United States and Mexico. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people. Some infected individuals are known to have traveled on international and domestic flights while infectious.
Flight and cabin crew sometimes encounter ill passengers while performing their duties. When an ill passenger is identified, flight and cabin crew are required to report passengers who meet certain illness criteria to CDC Quarantine Stations.
Interim Recommendations
During the swine influenza outbreak, extra vigilance is required to identify and report passengers with respiratory symptoms or fever. Any passenger who appears ill, or who reports not feeling well, should be observed or queried for the following signs or symptoms:
Feeling feverish or temperature greater than 100°F (37.8°C) if measured. For children, feeling warm by parent's report.
Sore throat
Cough
Stuffy or runny nose
Any passengers observed to have or who report having two or more of these symptoms should be reported immediately to the CDC Quarantine Station of jurisdiction where the plane is expected to land.
Flight and cabin crew should follow airline guidelines for preventing spread of infection when interacting with these travelers.
Copyright © 2009, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention