MSC, crew meningitis cases confirmed

FLORENCE, ITALY – MSC Cruises confirm that the four MSC Orchestra crewmembers who landed in Livorno, Tuscany, yesterday have been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.

The four, one of whom diagnosed as being in critical condition, are currently in hospital. MSC Cruises and maritime authorities have agreed to offer passengers antibiotic profligacies. No other member of the crew has reported symptoms of the infection.

The cruise operator’s management have, meanwhile, sought to underscore that passengers are being followed closely and report having boarded their top medical officials to supervise operations.

MSC Orchestra is to continue its cruise as planned and has meanwhile docked in France’s Villafranche, with next stops including Valencia, Ibiza, Tunis, Catania and Naples. (Agi)