Outbreak of meningitis on cruise ship

Health Posted on 11/10/2012

Four crew members from MSC Cruises' have been hospitalized in Livorno, Italy after contracting meningitis. Two of the four are said to be in a serious condition.

When the cruiseliner docked in Livorno, all passengers and crew members were given a precautionary dose of antibiotics, which is reported to be highly effective at preventing the virus.

Fortunately, no other passengers or staff have reported symptoms of the illness, but MSC Cruises claims that a medical taskforce is on hand in the case of further diagnoses.

The company is also contacting all passengers who were on board MSC Orchestra in the past seven days, to advise them to also take the precautionary dose of antibiotics.

The symptoms of meningitis are fever, headaches, nausea, a rash, neck stiffness, photophobia (sensitivity to light), limb pain, and cold hands or feet.

Any passengers who have been aboard the cruiseliner MSC Orchestra in the past seven days are advised to take antibiotics and watch out for the symptoms listed above.

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