Statement

Reports of delays in flights returning from the Dominican Republic due to passenger illness

In recent days, there have been increased reports of delays on flights returning to Canada from the Dominican Republic, due to passengers on board who are sick with gastrointestinal illness. We expect that these reports will continue.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is aware of reports of gastrointestinal illness in returning travellers from two geographical regions in the Dominican Republic. The first report involves Canadian travellers returning from Puerto Plata and the second report involves American travellers returning from Punta Cana. For more information about gastrointestinal illness in the Dominican Republic, please see the Agency's travel advisory.

This illness, while the cause has not yet been confirmed, appears likely to be in the family of viruses (noroviruses) that have caused outbreaks on cruise ships, in hospitals and in other facilities in Canada and other countries. While severe, they rarely cause death. Treatment is supportive to prevent dehydration and reduce symptoms.

In the instances reported to date at airports across Canada, the Government of Canada's Sick Passenger Protocol was followed and the correct actions were taken to ensure the health and safety of Canadians. Crew on flights from the Dominican Republic notified authorities on the ground that they had sick passengers on board. The Quarantine Officers from the Public Health Agency were notified and provided the necessary advice to authorities, such as Customs Officers, on site.

The sick passengers were transported to hospital when necessary.

In situations when the Quarantine Act does not apply and there is a sick passenger on board, airport authorities arrange for emergency medical care for the individual. The transfer of a sick passengers from an airplane normally takes precedence over the deplaning of the other passengers.

For more information about the Public Health Agency of Canada's Quarantine Services, please see http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/media/nr-rp/2004/quarantine_e.html.