Passengers on UK-bound flight possibly exposed to deadly disease

Health workers fear passengers who flew into the UK on a flight from Dubai were exposed to a potential deadline disease after a man was admitted to hosptial suffering from the tropical illness.

They are trying to trace three passengers who sat closest to the 38-year-old who flew into Glasgow on Emirates flight EK027 on Tuesday October 3, landing at 12.35pm.

The man, who is fighting for his life in an isolation ward in Brownlee specialist unit in Glasgow, is suffering from Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), which kills almost a third of all suffers.

Health officials said it was very unlikely other passengers would have caught the tick-born disease as it is not passed through the air, but they would like to contact those onboard the flight to ensure there had been no transmission.

Symptons include headache, joint pain and vomiting which can progress to mood swings and uncontrolled bleeding.

In a statement, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said three passengers who sat near the man on the Emirates flight were being traced. It added: "The risk to all other passengers on the flight is extremely low; however, if they have any concerns they should contact NHS24 on 08000 858531 for advice, further information and reassurance."

The disease is prevalent in East and West Africa and it is thought the man contracted the illness while abroad.

Friday, October 5, 2012