Kansas Airline Passenger Hospitalized in Fresh SARS Fear

June 12, 2003

A regularly scheduled American Eagle flight from Dallas to Wichita was quarantined shortly before noon today at Mid Continent Airport when an elderly passenger on the plane complained of symptoms consistent with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

City spokeswoman LaTricia Harper said three of the 42 passengers on the plane had spent three weeks in Hanoi, Vietnam and that during the flight, one of the three developed a severe, hacking cough which is a symptom of SARS.

All three passengers, however, were rushed from the plane to a local hospital while the other passengers and the four crew members were briefed and released.

American Airlines declined comment at this time.

American Airlines planned to sterilize the plane, which was scheduled to return to Dallas, an official said.

If a case of SARS is confirmed, the passengers will be notified, airport officials said

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