The CDC is investigating 2 separate American Airlines flights after 12 passengers became ill with flu-like symptoms

AP

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating after 12 American Airlines passengers on two separate flights from Europe to Philadelphia International Airport fell ill with flu-like symptoms on Thursday.

"This afternoon, 12 passengers arriving at Philadelphia International Airport on international flights on American Airlines from Paris and on American Airlines from Munich - were experiencing flu-like symptoms," the airport said in a statement.

"As a precaution, all passengers on the two flights - totaling about 250 plus crew - were held for a medical review and the CDC was notified."

According to the CDC, the sick passengers reported experiencing a sore throat and cough, but none had a fever.

"None of the passengers are severely ill, and they will be released and informed of test results in 24 hours," the agency said in a statement.

American Airlines did not immediately return Business Insider's request for comment.

Customs and Border Protection officials told NBC San Diego that the sick passengers all originated from Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where there was recently a flu outbreak.

The incident comes one day after about an Emirates jet was quarantined at JFK International Airport in New York City and 11 passengers were hospitalized with flu-like symptoms.