TWENTY-SIX holidaymakers were ill on a jet as it headed home to Manchester from Venezuela.
It is thought they and other tourists may have been hit by a mystery bug on the island of Margarita.
They were suffering symptoms including vomiting, stomach pains and diarrhoea.
Cabin crew on the First Choice flight, which was carrying more than 250 passengers, monitored those who were unwell.
The sick holidaymakers had to complete an Infectious Disease Form, in line with standard procedure, when they landed at Terminal 2.
They were advised by port health officials to go straight to hospital if they felt extremely ill, or to see their GP at home.
It is understood none went to hospital from the airport. No ambulances were called.
Officials at the Greater Manchester Health Protection Unit are now waiting to see if any GPs file reports.
A spokeswoman for First Choice said: "First Choice is genuinely concerned to learn of any illness reported on our holidays and we would like to reassure our customers that their health and safety is of paramount importance to First Choice.
"We can confirm that there was some reported illness on board First Choice flight FCA195 from Margarita to Manchester.
Sickness
"The sickness was closely monitored by all cabin crew, who assisted every passenger affected.
"On arrival at Manchester Airport all passengers were asked to complete an Infectious Disease Form, which is standard procedure.
"All forms have been sent direct to the Health Protection Unit at the local hospital in Manchester for analysis.
"First Choice is awaiting the results and is investigating this matter further with the resorts in Margarita.
"Margarita is, and continues to be, a very popular Caribbean holiday destination.
"We are confident that guests due to travel to Margarita in the future will experience the high levels of quality and standards they expect from a First Choice holiday."
A spokesman for the Greater Manchester Public Health Unit said it has received reports that 26 people on the flight were ill.
He said: "The air crew contacted the port health officials before landing. The advice was given that, if people were very ill, they should go straight to hospital. We've checked that no one went to hospital.
"We do not know what the illness is at this stage. We will monitor the situation and look out for any reports coming back from family doctors."
What do you think? Have your say.
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Dozens fall sick on flight
September 01, 2007
Showing comments 1 to 6 and replies | View All
Giles (01/09/2007 at 16:05)
Linzi Rotherham, Rotherham (05/09/2007 at 19:58)
While on holiday there was more than 26 people ill and almost every body on the flight back had been ill or still was, one lady passed out and had to have oxygen while on the flight, and another had to have needles and 4 course of antibiotics during her stay on the island. Will post again once we know more i.e results.
vince, leicester (07/09/2007 at 15:45)
me and my family from leicester went to margarita and caught this bug, my partner, deb, was the worst affected. she was ill for a week while still on holiday and has been put on sick leave now she has returned. she is awaiting the results from doctor the same as linzie and her family who we met while on holiday. we sill all have diorreah, and a feeing of weakness and feel drained, the stomach pains have worn off which were cramps. we were on the sad flight and can confirm many were ill, and i believe more than the 26 stated. we were told by our rep on holiday, manwell, that we were ill because we were not used to the weather. what a load of rubbish. yes plane did smell if you sat near toilets. look forward to hearing from first choice on what caused this bug and what they intend to do about it.
Linzi Rotherham, Rotherham (07/09/2007 at 19:10)
I think as a reader you should think about what you write for comments as you have certainly offened me and my family. You seem to find it funny that grown men that normally work long hours were drained of there energy unable to work due to the uncontrolable diarrhoea. Holiday makers were passing out because off severe pain in the stomach area, my son of 15 months screamed with pain just before parting with nothing but water. Not being able to eat losing weight and feeling like youre going to turn inside out
So how you can find the funny side of this clearly proves that there really are some very insensitive, sick and inconsiderate people around.
And Giles im affraid you are one of them!
Linzi Rotherham, Rotherham (07/09/2007 at 19:21)
WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR OTHER RESULTS ANYONE ON THIS FLIGHT PLEASE GET CHECKED OUT!
Rachel Dowling (26/09/2007 at 12:28)