A WOMAN who became unwell on a flight from Mexico to Manchester this morning is being tested for deadly swine flu.

Officials from the Health Protection Agency met the plane from Cancun when it landed at Terminal One at 7.25am.

The woman, who is thought to be from the north west, was said to be 'quite well' but has been taken home by ambulance and will be monitored by her GP.

She will be tested as a precaution for the deadly virus which has already killed more than 100 people in Mexico.

Woman tested for swine flu to be discharged

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Information

Other passengers aboard the Thomas Cook flight were given information about flu symptoms and a contact telephone number to call if they become unwell in the next few days.

A Thomas Cook flight due to leave Manchester for Cancun at 9.30am this morning was also cancelled, after the Foreign Office advised people to avoid non-essential travel.

Cancelled

All other flights from Manchester to Mexico scheduled to depart this week have been cancelled until travel restrictions are lifted.

A Health Protection Agency spokesman said: "We can confirm that paramedics supported by port health officials and the Health Protection Agency treated a passenger who became ill during a flight from Mexico to Manchester Airport earlier today.

'Influenza'

"Tests are being undertaken to attempt to establish the cause of the illness. All passengers and air crew on the flight are being given information on influenza and advised to telephone their GPs or NHS Direct if they should begin to display flu-like symptoms after returning home."

Around 300 passengers were on the jumbo jet which landed this morning, although many were unaware that the first British people diagnosed with the illness had recently honeymooned in Cancun. Most believed the virus was largely confined to Mexico City, 800 miles from the east coast resort.

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'Unwell'

A Manchester Airport spokesman said: "Only one Thomas Cook flight was scheduled to return from Cancun to Manchester today and the HPA attended the flight after a passenger reported feeling unwell. Thomas Cook are currently reviewing the situation with their next flight out of Manchester not scheduled to leave until Friday.

'Updates'

"We advise any passengers scheduled to be travelling to Cancun from Manchester over the coming days to get in touch with their airline for further updates. Returning passengers who are concerned should speak to their GP." Manchester Airport operates eight flights a week to Cancun. The Foreign Office have also advised British nationals living in or visiting Mexico to consider returning home. For more information and advice contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

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