CDC gave Ebola-infected nurse permission to fly
The second Dallas nurse struck down with Ebola was given the green light to fly on a commercial flight, despite reporting a high temperature.
Amber Joy Vinson, 29, who had treated Ebola victim Thomas Eric Duncan, reported a temperature of 99.5 degrees to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and was cleared to travel.
It was below the 100.4-degree threshold which prompts a second screening for travelers from Ebola-affected areas, according to CDC protocols.
Vinson did not show any usual symptoms of Ebola when flying on a Frontier Airlines flight from Cleveland to Dallas, but was diagnosed with the virus 24 hours later.
Even though the risk was ‘extremely low’ for other passengers, CDC Director Thomas Frieden yesterday said Vinson should not have traveled given her role in the frontline of Ebola care.
"She should not have flown on a commercial airline," Frieden said.
The Frontier plane that carried Vinson has since been taken out of service and all 132 people aboard flight 1143 are being contacted by officials.
Frontier CEO David Siegel said two pilots and four flight attendants have been put on a paid 21-day leave of absence as a precaution.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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