This story just makes my blood boil! Of course I’m talking about the man who has a drug resistant TB, also known as XDR TB. This form of TB is very rare and difficult to treat, resisting virtually all antibiotics according to the CDC. This strain of TB was first identified about 18 months ago in a South African province, where it killed 52 of 53 infected people. The man knew he had a difficult form of TB to treat and was advised not to travel. He chose to ignore that advice and did so anyway exposing others to this deadly disease.
He flies from Atlanta to Paris on Air France flight 385 on May 13th. While in Europe, health authorities contacted him with the news that further tests showed his TB was the rare “extensively drug-resistant” form, far more dangerous than he knew. They ordered him into isolation, saying he should turn himself over to Italian officials. Did he do that? No. Knowing he was on the “do not fly list” and his passport was flagged he then flew from Prague to Montreal on May 24 aboard Czech Air Flight 0104. From Montreal he drove into the United States for treatment.
CDC officials said they were scrambling to locate the airline crews and dozens of passengers from the two flights the patient boarded: Air France Flight 385 from Atlanta to Paris on May 12, and Czech Air Flight 0104 from Prague to Montreal on May 24. Health officials said the crews and any passengers who were seated near the patient are at highest risk and should be immediately tested for TB infection. CDC said it was working with U.S. state and local health departments, ministries of health in other countries, the airline industry and the World Health Organization. CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding did not say how many passengers and crew were on the flights or how many countries had citizens aboard.
I have family members that fly frequently, up to several times a week or several times a month. It’s bad enough that we have to worry about terrorism now we add this to the list! This man willingly put people in jeopardy which is reprehensible and unconscionable.
Technorati Tags: drug resistant TB – air travel – exposure – CDC
Elaine,
It really is terrible the lack of consideration for people that the man you mentioned has. I certainly agree with you.
To play devils advocate, I guess he felt desperate for treatment, and knew that the United States was the best place to come.
People seem to constantly find fault with the U.S. but look where they head when they are in trouble.
Beth
This is very discouraging.
I agree Elaine, and can only hope that none of the exposed people have contracted his TB!
No excuses. This infected person knew he had TB and he was informed not to travel. Morally, ethically, (and should be legally) wrong.
I want to know why they let him fly! They warned him, Well, if I was a passenger on any of those flights, I would want to be warned of this potentially dangerous position that I am being placed in! Why were the passengers NOT WARNED!!!! We know why, because everybody would have gotten off the plane including the crew and they would have lost money?
The airlines and especially the Captain can remove anyone from a flight for any reason, its international law.
This story just keeps getting more twisted! The man now has his face all over the news and has been identified as a 31 year old personal injury attorney in Atlanta. Now the best part………his Father-in-law is a microbiologist that works for the CDC in the TB lab!
Elaine,
They said on the news that the man may be facing a lawsuit…though I am usually adverse to an over abundance of lawsuits… in his case it is truly deserved! I had many of the same questions you did and get sick of people not respecting the U.S. its laws or other people.
Beth
Elaine, some ppl just don’t have a conscience. Some figure if they have it, they shouldn’t be alone having it, very selfish and cruel. Unfortunately, lots of ppl are cruel. Have a nice weekend, luv, Pauline
I’m so glad you posted this Elaine. I had only heard bits & peices about this story and I kept wondering why people were so upset at him. Makes sense now!
Hello Elaine,
I agree completely with this. The man knew and it seems to me he did this all on purpose. I’m just wondering if they have figured out where HE got the TB from.
Hope all is well with you. We are still in limbo mode with the house selling and all. But hopefully these last two weeks will go by fast.
Take care. Vallerie
Vallerie that was one of my first thoughts ~ where did he get it? If it’s so rare? Scary stuff flying today
Thank you for the comments everyone.