STATEMENT
WASHINGTON, April 20, 2006 – Recent reports of an outbreak of mumps in the U.S. have raised questions about the transmission of communicable diseases. Although the current outbreak is unrelated to air travel, because at least two people with confirmed cases of mumps traveled by air while they were potentially contagious, the CDC has asked the airlines' assistance in following up with other passengers and crew members on those flights.
According to ATA's Katherine Andrus, airlines have long-standing procedures for reporting cases of serious communicable disease to public health officials, and have worked cooperatively with the CDC to follow up with passengers and crew members who may have been exposed during flight. "Of course, any time you are in contact with other people, there is a possibility of transmission of communicable disease -- from a common cold to something more rare and potentially more serious. Travelers and airline employees are advised by the CDC to take common sense measures like keeping immunizations up-to-date and washing hands frequently. It's also important that people monitor their own health and defer travel if they are ill -- just as you wouldn't want your co-worker to come into the office if he or she is sick, you don't want to sit next to someone on a bus, at the airport or on an airplane who may be contagious."
General guidance for travelers from the CDC
ATA airline members transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic.
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