A regional jet operated on behalf of Delta Air Lines was under quarantine in Chicago Thursday evening after a passenger fell ill.
Delta/Comair Flight 3163, a Bombardier CRJ-200 (N811CA), landed in Chicago from Detroit just before 3:30 pm.
There were unconfirmed reports that the ill passenger had been traveling for over 24 hours, possibly from Africa, and was suffering from a rash.
The Centers for Disease Control confirmed to WBBM Newsradio that they were investigating a “contagious situation.”
UPDATE 7:00 PM ET: The plane has been given the all-clear after the passenger was diagnosed with bug bites, not a communicable disease.
UPDATE 8:00 PM ET: A statement from the CDC confirmed that the passenger had traveled from Africa, and feared that he may have had monkeypox (but probably didn’t):
CDC received a report earlier this evening of a passenger on a plane at Midway Airport who had a rash. Since the passenger had been in Africa, a family member had reported concerns that the rash might be monkeypox. The passenger was evaluated by Chicago EmergencyMedical Services. medical staff at CDC and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) reviewed the case and, based on the patient’s symptoms and photographs of the rash, it does not appear that the signs and symptoms are consistent with a monkeypox infection. The ill passenger was advised to seek medical care and the rest of the passengers were released from the plane. CDC and CDPH believe there is very little risk to other passengers. However, out of an abundance of caution, the airline will be collecting contact information for other passengers should CDC need to contact them in the future.
