CDC and Frontier Airlines Contact Passengers from Ebola Patient Flight

In the wake of the news that a second healthcare worker has fallen ill with the Ebola virus, and that the individual recently traveled on Frontier Airlines flight 1143 from Cleveland to Dallas on October 13, the CDC and the airline have announced that they are in the process of reaching out to individuals who were on the flight and could potentially be contaminated with the virus.

Reports indicate that the worker did not exhibit symptoms until the day after the travel and because of that, the risk of any transmission of the Ebola virus is very low. However, because of the small amount of time between the flight and when the worker first became symptomatic, the CDC is taking this step to help limit any potential spread of the deadly virus.



From its statement to the press, the “CDC is asking all 132 passengers on Frontier Airlines flight 1143 Cleveland to Dallas/Fort Worth on October 13 (the flight route was Cleveland to Dallas Fort Worth and landed at 8:16 p.m. CT) to call 1 800-CDC INFO (1 800 232-4636).”

The agency will then closely monitor any individuals who are determined to be at any potential risk.

On Wednesday, Frontier Airlines issued the following statement as part of this joint announcement:

“At approximately 1:00 a.m. MT on October 15, Frontier was notified by the CDC that a customer traveling on Frontier Airlines flight 1143 Cleveland to Dallas/Fort Worth on Oct. 13 has since tested positive for the Ebola virus. The flight landed in Dallas/Fort Worth at 8:16 p.m. local and remained overnight at the airport having completed its flying for the day at which point the aircraft received a thorough cleaning per our normal procedures which is consistent with CDC guidelines prior to returning to service the next day. It was also cleaned again in Cleveland last night. Previously the customer had traveled from Dallas Fort Worth to Cleveland on Frontier flight 1142 on October 10.

Customer exhibited no symptoms or sign of illness while on flight 1143, according to the crew. Frontier responded immediately upon notification from the CDC by removing the aircraft from service and is working closely with CDC to identify and contact customers who may traveled on flight 1143.

Customers who may have traveled on either flight should contact CDC at 1 800 CDC-INFO.

The safety and security of our customers and employees is our primary concern. Frontier will continue to work closely with CDC and other governmental agencies to ensure proper protocols and procedures are being followed.”