An MSC Orchestra cruise ship cruise member has died from meningitis. The worker was one of four who were diagnosed with the illness.
Indonesian crewmember Ermandiasa I Gede, 32, died on Tuesday, just nine days after he was hospitalized in Livorno, Italy with three coworkers to be treated for meningitis. The crewmembers were given antibiotics and intensive measures were taken to try to save them all.
MSC released a statement explaining their sadness over the loss and to give updates on the other crewmembers.
Another crewmember, a 47-year-old Italian cook was on life support, but according to MSC, his condition has improved significantly. The other crewmembers include a 26-year-old Brazilian and a 32-year-old Filipino who have both recovered.
"The company is closely following the condition of these [three] crew members," MSC said in a statement, according to Cruise Critic. "One of them left the hospital today and went back home, having almost completely recovered. The other two are still recovering in hospital, in Livorno and their condition is gradually improving."
The 89,000-ton MSC Orchestra cruise ship was sailing in the Mediterranean and making stops in Italy, France and Spain when the crewmembers fell ill. The ship was carrying 2,718 passengers and 967 crew members when the four crewmember started showing symptoms on meningococcal meningitis. The illness attacks the brain and spinal cord and can be contagious in instances of close and prolonged contact, according to AFP.
According to MSC, all of the passengers and crew members were given the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin to prevent the spread of the illness. The infected crewmembers were part of the kitchen staff, so they did not come in close direct contact with passengers, so the passengers were treated as a precaution. Passengers who were on the ship for a voyage during the previous week were advised to take precautions as well.
The ship was inspected and found to be clear of meningitis. The MSC Orchestra can now continue to sail.
"Port health authorities from three separate countries (Italy, France, and Spain) have visited the ship since Sunday 7 October and each one has confirmed that MSC Orchestra is safe to carry on with her planned itinerary. This means that the ship complies with all international maritime health and safety regulations," MSC told Cruise Critic.
The United States is also dealing with a large meningitis outbreak, but it is a rare fungal form of meningitis that was transferred through an injectable steroid that is used to treat back pain. Over 35 people were infected with the disease and at least five died.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
