A man claiming to have been diagnosed with the deadly pneumonia strain that has killed nine people and infected 150 worldwide declared himself at an Air New Zealand check-in desk in Gisborne this morning.
National Radio reported that the man claimed to have been diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome by
"an American lung specialist" in Bangkok.
He was referred to public health officials, but a medical examination showed his symptoms did not fit the pattern of the illness.
Air New Zealand spokeswoman Val Hayes said the passenger had been booked on a domestic flight when he presented himself to check-in staff.
"Basically we are following the guidelines provided by the World Health Organisation: if anyone presenting flu-like symptoms presents themselves to check-in, we have the right to refuse them to board."
A Health Ministry spokeswoman said the ministry did not have sufficient information to comment on the Gisborne incident at this stage.
- NZPA
