Germany - Lufthansa flight blocked as Japanese group falls ill

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<ABBR class=timedate title=2010-03-20T19:07:03-0700>Lufthansa flight blocked as Japanese group falls ill</ABBR>
<ABBR class=timedate title=2010-03-20T19:07:03-0700></ABBR>
<ABBR class=timedate title=2010-03-20T19:07:03-0700>Sat Mar 20, 10:07 pm ET</ABBR>
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BERLIN (AFP) ? The take-off of a German flight to Tokyo was delayed after two dozen Japanese tourists on board fell ill with violent stomach cramps, German police said.

Shortly before take-off Saturday afternoon, the Airbus A340 carrying some 300 passengers returned to the airport terminal in Berlin after the tourists complained of stomach pains and nausea, said a police statement.

The 23 people stricken by the mystery illness, part of a group of some 80 tourists on an organised trip to Europe, were taken to nearby hospitals.

The victims also complained of vertigo, vomiting and circulation problems, according to doctors, though their lives were not thought to be in danger, said the police statement.

Doctors were still trying to ascertain what had caused the sickness, said police.
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Read more at:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100321/wl_asia_afp/germanyjapanairtransporthealth_20100321020707

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Re: Germany - Lufthansa flight blocked as Japanese group falls ill

German to English translation (Google)

Tuesday 23 March 2010 07:35

Japanese tour group obviously ill with Norovirus

After the poisoning alarm at Munich Airport Erding on Saturday, there is evidence on the norovirus.

The experts shared with the Public Health Erding.

At least that norovirus was found in four patients.

However, there is also evidence of food poisoning, says a spokesman.

Further investigations are still pending.

Of the 23 members of the group, who could not fly home, lay on the evening in five hospitals.

18 patients better go, it said.

Original text at:

http://radio-trausnitz.de/default.aspx?ID=6369&showNews=669909