The Centers for Disease Control has provided the following Health Notice to the Air Transport Association specifically for dissemination to Flight Crews. We feel it is important for our Crew Members to be aware of the following information, distributed by the CDC:
As you are aware, the World Cup is a popular event going on in Germany. Unfortunately, there is a significant outbreak of measles at the present time in Germany, which has also affected Denmark, Greece, Spain, Sweden, the Ukraine, as well as other countries.
We are trying to inform health care providers and the public about measles in Germany right now because of the many travelers who will be going to the World Cup.
With regard to the airlines, we would like to get information as quickly as possible to the medical directors and the Chief Pilots regarding this issue so that Flight Crews can be appropriately informed. The following information may be helpful:
Measles is a highly contagious illness transmitted through the air when infected people cough or sneeze.
If a passenger exhibits or reports a fever AND either cough, red eyes with discharge, or a red, raised rash that starts on the face and moves to arms, legs, and body, then one would:
1. Offer a surgical mask to the passenger *
2. Move the passenger, if possible, to an isolated seat
3. Ask the passenger to cover his or her mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
4. Ask the passenger to wash his or her hands with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand gel) after coughing or sneezing.
As you know, within the U.S., federal regulations require that the captains of aircraft destined for a U.S. airport report any serious illness among passengers, and your aircraft carriers are aware of these mechanisms.
All Flight Crews should be aware of their own immunization status. They are most likely protected against measles if they were born in the U.S. before 1957, have had measles previously, or have received measles vaccination. Flight Crews should consult their health care providers if they are unsure.
As you are aware, the World Cup is a popular event going on in Germany. Unfortunately, there is a significant outbreak of measles at the present time in Germany, which has also affected Denmark, Greece, Spain, Sweden, the Ukraine, as well as other countries.
We are trying to inform health care providers and the public about measles in Germany right now because of the many travelers who will be going to the World Cup.
With regard to the airlines, we would like to get information as quickly as possible to the medical directors and the Chief Pilots regarding this issue so that Flight Crews can be appropriately informed. The following information may be helpful:
Measles is a highly contagious illness transmitted through the air when infected people cough or sneeze.
If a passenger exhibits or reports a fever AND either cough, red eyes with discharge, or a red, raised rash that starts on the face and moves to arms, legs, and body, then one would:
1. Offer a surgical mask to the passenger *
2. Move the passenger, if possible, to an isolated seat
3. Ask the passenger to cover his or her mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
4. Ask the passenger to wash his or her hands with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand gel) after coughing or sneezing.
As you know, within the U.S., federal regulations require that the captains of aircraft destined for a U.S. airport report any serious illness among passengers, and your aircraft carriers are aware of these mechanisms.
All Flight Crews should be aware of their own immunization status. They are most likely protected against measles if they were born in the U.S. before 1957, have had measles previously, or have received measles vaccination. Flight Crews should consult their health care providers if they are unsure.
