Montreal: An Air France flight from Paris to Detroit was diverted to Montreal after authorities discovered that a passenger with recent travel history linked to an Ebola-affected region had been allowed to board the aircraft.
According to Beyond Time News, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said the passenger boarded Air France Flight 378 in Paris “in error” despite travel restrictions connected to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of East Africa.
Officials said the traveler should not have been permitted to continue to the United States under current health screening regulations.
The aircraft landed safely in Montreal on Wednesday evening, where the passenger was escorted off the plane for further evaluation. Authorities did not reveal whether the individual showed symptoms of Ebola.
Following the removal of the passenger, the flight later continued to Detroit without further disruption.
Enhanced Ebola Screening in Effect
According to Beyond Time News, the CDC and the Department of Homeland Security recently introduced stricter entry measures for travelers arriving from countries impacted by the Ebola outbreak, including:
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Uganda
- South Sudan
Under the updated rules, certain travelers from these regions can only enter the United States through approved airports with advanced health screening procedures.
Air France confirmed there was no medical emergency onboard and stated the airline complied with all international entry and safety requirements.
Indonesia Expands Defence Capabilities With New French Aircraft
WHO Raises Global Concern Over Outbreak
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the Ebola outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern due to the increasing number of cases.
Health officials report:
- 51 confirmed cases in Congo
- 2 confirmed cases in Uganda
- Nearly 600 suspected infections
- 139 suspected deaths
Medical experts warn that the actual number of cases could be significantly higher because of underreporting in affected areas.
Ebola is a highly dangerous viral disease spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. Symptoms commonly include fever, severe weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding.
Authorities worldwide continue increasing travel screening and monitoring efforts to prevent the virus from spreading internationally.
