SERA.14100 Notification of suspected communicable diseases or other public health risk on board an aircraft

SYMPTOMS OF SUSPECTED COMMUNICABLE DISEASES A communicable disease may be suspected and require further evaluation if a person has certain combined signs or symptoms: for example, fever (temperature of 38 °C/100 °F or greater), appearing obviously unwell, persistent coughing, impaired breathing, persistent diarrhoea, persistent vomiting, skin rash, bruising or bleeding without previous injury, or confusion of recent onset. [Reference to Note 1 of point 8.15 of Chapter 8 of ICAO Annex 9 – Facilitation]

ACTIONS OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AUTHORITY The public health authority (PHA) may contact the representative or operating agency of the aircraft operator as well as the aerodrome operator, if applicable, for subsequent coordination with the aircraft concerning clinical details and aerodrome preparation. Depending on the communication facilities available to the aircraft operator or its designated representative, it may not be possible to communicate with the aircraft until it is closer to its destination. Apart from the initial notification to the air traffic services unit while en route, ATC communication channels should be avoided.

INFORMATION TO THE DEPARTURE AERODROME The purpose of providing information to the departure aerodrome is to prevent the potential spread of a communicable disease, or other public health risk, through other aircraft departing from the that aerodrome.

MEANS OF TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION The Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunications Network (AFTN) (urgency message), telephone, fax or other means of transmission may be used by the air traffic services unit.