Medical Issue at Auckland Airport

Media Release - 13/11/2007

Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) made a routine response this morning to an international flight from Korea. A passenger on board was reported as being unwell with vomiting and a raised temperature. The airport authorities called the ARPHS on-call Medical Officer of Health in accordance with standard response procedures.

ARPHS spokesperson Dr Andrew Lindsay said “the pilot was right to advise the airport authorities of his concerns around this passenger’s health. After assessing the passenger and full examination of the passenger at hospital we are of the opinion that this passenger is suffering from gastroenteritis.”

Dr Lindsay went on to say:

“In accordance with standard protocols, the passenger’s initial medical condition was assessed by St John’s Ambulance staff who referred the passenger to hospital. St John’s Ambulance staff did dress in Personal Protective Equipment and this was an appropriate response given the information that was available to St Johns at the time.”

The ARPHS on-call Medical Officer of Health and a Health Protection Officer responded and attended the airport. In accordance with standard protocols passengers did not disembark until the patient had been assessed. Details of passengers seated in the vicinity of the patient were collated and they were provided with standard public health advice.

ARPHS routinely attends such incidents at the Auckland International Airport and has standard response procedures in place.

For further information please call:

Dr Andrew Lindsay
Medical Officer of Health
Auckland Regional Public Health Service