26 ill Passengers on Qantas Chile to Australia Flight, Unknown Gastrointestinal Illness

Twenty-six passengers on a Quantas flight from Chile to Australia fell violently ill with a stomach bug and are now being quarantined at a Sydney airport, according to a recent statement.

The airline said the passengers contracted an unknown gastrointestinal illness and were unwell even before boarding the aircraft, stating that as more time passed "the symptoms became evident during the flight."

More than 300 passengers boarded the flight that departed from Santiago sometime after midnight (AEST) on Thursday, according to the AP. Qantas has asked the other passengers monitor their health over the next two days and report if they or relatives fall ill as a cautionary measure to the recent health issue.

Six NSW Ambulance crews were on standby to assist patients at the Sydney airport.

Qantas spokesman Luke Enright couldn't determine when the flight crew became aware of the sickness during the flight. However, he added that the emergency was not an issue that could have resulted in a flight diversion.

"They've known for some time in the air that sickness was aboard so they were able to call through and organize for the appropriate authorities to greet the aircraft at the arrival, and those passengers were quarantined," Enright said, via the Washington Post.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that in 2012, approximately 400 people abroad two cruises fell ill due to the norovirus infection via contaminated foods and drinks.