Press statement from HPA North West

28 April 2009

We can confirm that earlier today paramedics supported by Port Health officials and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) treated a passenger who became ill during a flight from Mexico to Manchester Airport earlier today.

The passenger was later well enough to be allowed home where they will be further assessed and monitored by their GP in association with the Health Protection Agency.

As a precautionary measure, the other passengers and aircrew on the flight were given information on influenza and advised to telephone their GPs or NHS Direct if they should begin to display flu-like symptoms after returning home.

The NHS Direct number is 0845 4647.

Notes to editors

Influenza or 'flu' is a respiratory illness caused by infection with an influenza virus. Symptoms frequently include headache, fever, cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints. There is a wide spectrum of severity of illness ranging from minor symptoms through to pneumonia and on rare occasions death.

There are simple measures that people can take to protect themselves from the flu, including regular and thorough hand-washing. It's important to cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing and to turn away from other people in the vicinity.

Paper tissues should be used to cover the nose and mouth and these should be disposed of in a bin immediately after use. It's important to wash the hands again after disposing of used tissues.

Press release issued by Hugh Lamont, Communications Manager, HPA North West. Tel. 0151 482 5728 or 07764 906508

 

Last reviewed: 28 April 2009