Ebola scare delays flight at Orlando International Airport

Man recently traveled to West African nation, officials say

ORLANDO, Fla. – A traveler at Orlando International Airport was isolated and removed from a flight after he demonstrated signs of illness. 

The incident happened after 3 p.m. Monday on Southwest Airlines flight 718, which was traveling from Houston. 

According to airport officials, the pilot notified the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when it was revealed that the man had traveled to West Africa at the end of August. 

After being examined by a medical team, it was determined that the passenger did not fit the criteria for Ebola or any other communicable disease. He was released, and airport operations were not affected. 

Orlando International Airport has no direct or nonstop flights to the West African region, which is most affected by the Ebola outbreak. 

Airport officials said there are procedures in place if there is any indication of a passenger displaying symptoms and travel history associated with the deadly virus.


About the Author:

Mark Lehman became a News 6 reporter in July 2014, but he's been a Central Florida journalist and part of the News 6 team for much longer. While most people are fast asleep in their bed, Mark starts his day overnight by searching for news on the streets of Central Florida.