A suspected norovirus outbreak has struck again, this time aboard a Los Angeles bound plane.
A total of 13 Fiji Airways passengers travelling in two groups suffered nausea and vomiting on their flight to LA, airport spokeswoman Nancy Castles said, adding that all the passengers had stayed at the same hotel in Fiji before travelling.
Medical officers from the Centers for Disease Control checked each of the affected passengers while still on the aircraft at the Tom Bradley International Terminal before clearing them to deplane after about 30 minutes.
The source of the stomach bug is being investigated at the hotel where the passengers stayed, and additionally Fiji Airways’ in-flight caterer has sent food samples to be tested.
"All we know at this stage is that the 13 were part of two groups travelling together and stayed at the same resort," the airline said in a statement.
"LAX is an international hub. It is not unusual for passengers to arrive sick from overseas travel. Perhaps what is unusual is the high number of people who all had the same symptoms, Castles said, adding that the airport had initiated "long-established procedures" to temporarily quarantine affected travelers in coordination with the CDC and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
