Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Norovirus,Outbreaks & Recalls on January 5, 2025
Denver United Airlines employees participating in a holiday party fell sick. Experts suspect norovirus was the cause of their gastrointestinal illnesses.
To complicate things further, a strict holiday leave policy may have put passengers at risk for this highly contagious virus.
Here’s what we know about the Denver United Airlines holiday meal food poisoning event and what it could mean for holiday passengers who may have been given the gift that keeps on giving. Or spreading.
Initial reports of around 200 United Airlines employees falling sick after eating a company-provided meal on Christmas Day. However, a recent update has allegedly whittled down to a reported 24.
With 492 documented holiday meals provided to the flight attendants that day, there were a lot of exposed Dever United Airlines employees. Those who partook in the holiday meal were required to scan their badge to receive it, so the airlines is fully aware of those who may have been exposed.
A spokesperson for United Airlines issued a statement saying, “United is monitoring reports from some employees about gastrointestinal symptoms following holiday meals served to Denver employees on Wednesday, and we are in contact with health authorities. There has been no impact on our operation.”
The airline appears to be downplaying the role of the holiday meal in this outbreak.
“While there is no way to know for sure if this was food ‘poisoning’ since there are viruses going around that produce similar symptoms, local DEN management have assured me that out of an abundance of caution they will be monitoring this issue,” said Chris Bruton, LEC President DEN/PHX in the message.
At least two updates have been provided to employees explaining to them the situation. However, the two biggest causes for concern involve the highly contagious nature of the probable illness and the company’s Holiday Absence Certificate requirement.
Until the updated message made it to employees, many may have been hesitant to call in sick. Despite being sick with a highly contagious virus.
As the Christmas holiday is a busy travel period, any unscheduled leave must meet certain criteria. Including a doctor’s note for illnesses. Employees fearing the consequences of calling in sick, may have returned to work when they should have gone home. In the updated missive, a message that may have been received too late for some, the airline representative even acknowledged that this could be the case for some. As well as other circumstances.
“Of course we recognize that there may be some who decided to “power through” or who may have been apprehensive about calling in sick over the holiday period, or who may have been on their way home and therefore did not miss work.”
Those who continued to work and interact with the public could have spread the illness to those they were serving on the plane.
Employees have since been notified that if they had to call in sick because they became ill after eating food provided to them at the holiday meal, they should email their supervisor to ensure they would receive “no points” associated with that absence. Points, in this case, refer to the system used by the company to track employee performance.
The highly contagious characteristic of norovirus, paired with sick employees fearing the consequences of calling in sick during the holiday puts passengers at risk.
Norovirus is highly contagious.
It doesn’t take much to get sick with norovirus. Health experts say you can become infected with as few as 10 viral particles.
Norovirus is spread by people who are already infected by sharing food or eating utensils. However, it is most commonly spread by eating after touching contaminated surfaces or consuming food touched by someone who is already infected and didn’t wash their hands.
While norovirus is sometimes called a stomach bug or stomach flu, unlike the actual flu or other respiratory viruses, norovirus is spread through the feces of an infected person.
Even trace amounts that you cannot see, smell, or taste can spread the illness. All it takes is one flight attendant rushing out of the bathroom and inadequately washing their hands before handing out in-flight drinks or snacks to infect a whole plane-full of people.
Norovirus symptoms usually begin within 12 to 48 hours of exposure.
Common symptoms of norovirus infection include:
Most people recover within one to three days. You are most contagious and likely to transmit your illness to others while you are feeling sick through the first few days of feeling better.
Unfortunately, there is no medical treatment protocol for norovirus. Antibiotics are not effective against this type of infection, so your best course of action is to hydrate and rest until symptoms subside.
Vomiting and diarrhea multiple times a day can lead to dehydration – a dangerous complication.
Especially in young children, older adults, and those with other existing illnesses.
Dehydration symptoms may include:
Contact your healthcare provider if you or someone you are caring for becomes severely dehydrated.
If you have been recently diagnosed with norovirus infection or symptoms consistent with norovirus infection and flew United Airlines over the holiday, you may be part of this outbreak. Get medical help right away and be sure you are tested for this harmful bacterial infection.
You may also consider getting legal advice from an experienced norovirus lawyer.
If you have been seriously impacted by your norovirus illness, you may have a legal case.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a norovirus lawyer that can help!
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has recovered millions of dollars in food contamination and product liability suits to help cover medical expenses, missed work, and other burdens associated with foodborne illness.
Get legal advice today.
Call (833) 330-3663 or submit your information on the online submission form for a free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)