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US Airways Flight Delayed Because Of Tuberculosis Scare

By Kamal Nayan | Update Date: Dec 03, 2013 08:58 AM EST

A man who was suspected of suffering from tuberculosis was debarred from a US Airways Express flight. The US Airways Express flight was carrying 70 passengers.

Authorities are determining whether the man removed from the flight was suffering from tuberculosis. Even if the results are proved positive, authorities have dismissed any possibilities of the disease spreading to fellow passengers.

“Even if TB is confirmed in the traveler, the risk to other passengers and the crew is extremely low … we are not recommending other precautions,” CDC spokesman Benjamin Haynes said, according to Reuters.

The Transportation Security Administration did not flag the passenger prior to flight. However the flight was notified by CDC that the man had “do not board” status.

“After the flight left, the CDC notified the TSA who notified us,” US Airways spokesman Bill McGlashen said according to Reuters. “We stopped short of the gate and then consulted with CDC and then we proceeded to the gate. That’s where firefighters, paramedics met the flight.”

Even by the duration of the flight which was only four hours long, the risk was less significant.

“After the flight left, the CDC notified the TSA who notified us,” US Airways spokesman Bill McGlashen said. “We stopped short of the gate and then consulted with CDC and then we proceeded to the gate. That’s where firefighters, paramedics met the flight.”

Also in the hour-long interview with an official, the man did not cough at all.

Some passengers also reported to Reuters that a firefighter announced that everyone on board had been exposed to tuberculosis, and hence should take appropriate measures.

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