Mystery illness hits eight on airline

BALTIMORE, July 16 (UPI) -- One passenger was hospitalized and as many as eight others on a Southwest Airlines flight from Houston to Baltimore were stricken with a mysterious illness.

Signs of illness on Southwest flight 1283 appeared soon after takeoff Thursday, and four ambulances were dispatched to assist passengers upon their 10:45 p.m. arrival at Baltimore-Washington International Airport, The Baltimore Sun reported.

The sickest person was taken to North Arundel Hospital in Glen Burnie; an airport spokesman said the condition was not life threatening.

Authorities are examining the plane's food supplies and ventilation systems.