A sick aircraft passenger had to remain on board a plane in Bermuda while EMTs called for protective equipment in case the passenger was infected with Ebola.

The decision to keep the passenger on the plane was made out of ‘an abundance of caution’, according to a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health.

The plane had originated in Nigeria, which is a country that has been affected by the Ebola outbreak, and arrived at LF Wade International at 3am this morning.

But the airline decided that the flight should continue on its way to Atlanta before the Personal Protective Equipment had been obtained by the EMTs.

“Shortly after 3am this morning the 911 Emergency Dispatch Centre received a call regarding a flight diversion due to a medical emergency,” the spokeswoman said.

“An ambulance from KEMH responded and Bermuda Fire Rescue Service staff were standing by.

“Upon meeting the aircraft, having learned that it had originated in Nigeria (a region currently being affected by the Ebola outbreak), emergency responders began the process to determine whether or not there was a risk that the passenger could have been infected by Ebola.

“Preliminary reports indicate that, out of an abundance of caution, it was decided that the passenger should be kept on the aircraft until the EMT’s received Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for dealing with a possible Ebola infection.

“Before the PPE was obtained, Emergency Responders were advised by the airline representative that the aircraft would continue to its destination.

“The ambulance waited at the airport until the flight departed and returned to KEMH around 5:30am.

“It is understood that the flight landed in Atlanta early this morning.

“The Department of Health’s Surveillance Committee can advise that the incident is being reviewed by Public Health, Emergency Services and Airport Operations.”