Bacterial Meningitis outbreak reported on MSC Orchestra

[Salacia]

According to news reports, 4 crew members from MSC Orchestra have been hospitalized in Livorno due to an outbreak of bacterial meningitis. Best wishes to all concerned. Regards, Salacia

Source: http://www.agi.it/english-version/it...uise_continues

http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/n...r_7594571.html

[KirkNC]

Wow, Best wishes also, that is not something to play around with.

[Alex71]

We just got an e-mail from our travel agent 30 minutes ago that we need to be examined by our doctor. Our doctor needs specifics on the strain of Meningitis involved in order to treat us properly, but neither our travel agent nor MSC were able to provide any details. Now it's after 6 and nobody is picking up the phone anymore.

Is there an MSC emergency number we can call to reach someone?

[Salacia]

Originally Posted by Alex71

We just got an e-mail from our travel agent 30 minutes ago that we need to be examined by our doctor. Our doctor needs specifics on the strain of Meningitis involved in order to treat us properly, but neither our travel agent nor MSC were able to provide any details. Now it's after 6 and nobody is picking up the phone anymore.

Is there an MSC emergency number we can call to reach someone?

Alex, I'm sorry, I can't locate an emergency number, but there must be a number to phone the ship directly and speak with the medical centre on board if necessary. Here is a phone number for MSC in the United States: 1-877.665.4655 - maybe they can offer more information.

The news reports indicate that 4 crew members are being treated for bacterial meningitis, but I've found no mention of the particular strain of bacterial meningitis. More information regarding meningitis can be found at the Meningitis Foundation of America website http://www.meningitisfoundationofame.../18/index.html

Best wishes,
Salacia

[Alex71]

Originally Posted by Salacia

Alex, I'm sorry, I can't locate an emergency number, but there must be a number to phone the ship directly and speak with the medical centre on board if necessary. Here is a phone number for MSC in the United States: 1-877.665.4655 - maybe they can offer more information.

The news reports indicate that 4 crew members are being treated for bacterial meningitis. More information regarding meningitis can be found at the Meningitis Foundation of America website http://www.meningitisfoundationofame.../18/index.html

Best wishes,
Salacia

Hi Salacia,

Thank you very much! My wife called the MSC number in the US. They were very nice and and promised to get back to us with more details. According to our doctor, the choice of antibiotic will depend on the exact strain.

Very poor showing of MSC Germany to blast out this e-mail that we needed to see a doctor 30 minutes before the office closed and then to be unavailable for further information.

According to Auststrian news sites, all passemgers on the Orchestra were put on antibiotics, so one would have expected MSC to make some info on the recommended kind available.

Thanks again!

[sorcel]

Yesterday about 5pm local time an announcement of "Charlie Alpha" came over the PA system. Having family in the cruise industry, I have learnt that this means (charlie) security threat (alpha) medical emergency.

On shore there was quite a lot of activity (in comparison to previously). We did not depart on schedule and just before dinner around 7pm they announced that a member of the crew was found to have bacterial meningitis. This announcement came first in Italian - and after that it was impossible to hear anything in the other languages. Dinner proceeded as normal. Later at night - a letter (in extremely bad English) was distributed to say that a crew member was found to have bacterial meningitis. We were issued a ciproflaxin 500mg tablet with no explanation of side effects or cautions. I went down to the medical centre to ask - but there everything was quite chaotic.

I disembarked on time today (as scheduled - I boarded in Villefranche) but no extra information was given until I received a mail from the travel agent late this afternoon. As stated above - I have been advised to contact my physician - but given no advice about what to do, symptoms to look out for etc.

On advice from my doctor I too am trying to get information on the exact strain.

Thinking back, I did notice that there were people wearing masks, constantly polishing the railings the last couple of days. I have today learnt that this is usual behaviour when there is some kind of outbreak on a cruiseship.

I am crossing my fingers that these 4 cases are the only ones and that the crew in intensive care pull through.

Kathleen

[CostaSmurfette]

The following is translated from Italian to English...so some context will be lost...

Meningitis on Msc Orchestra in Livorno: 2 cases and 2 suspected. The ship allocated to France

It left the port of Livorno for the cruise ship France they were recorded at least two cases of meningococcal infection among crew members. On board thousands of people to whom it was administered prophylactically. Before sailing there is who came down out of fear. The official statement of the company

LIVORNO. Two cases of meningitis, two other suspected cases. Four crew members aboard the Msc Orchestra cruise ship were hospitalized this afternoon to a hospital in Livorno. The cruise ship, coming from Naples docked earlier today, Sunday, at the Valessini Gate of the port of Livorno where they landed those who, among the 2,200 passengers on board, came up in the city of Livorno.

Only in the early afternoon is tripped the alarm. Among the 975 crewmembers, two engine room personnel were hurt, an Indonesian of 32 years and a Filipino by 30. Now both are very severe, hospitalized in intensive care at a hospital in Livorno. One of them is in a coma.

Were warned maritime authorities and medical institutions. On Board have risen just doctors who have briefly with both a bacterial meningitis admission immediately Recalling: the arrival at the hospital around 14. It was over: in the late afternoon, another crew member has misheard, symptoms were high fevers and severe headache. And then a fourth. Also for their hospital shelter and rush in the infectious diseases ward.

Meanwhile, for passengers proceeding to France was willing prophylaxis, as well as to all the personnel of the ship: an antibiotic Tablet from 500 mg for adults and a syrup for children. For passengers landed at Livorno the maritime health authority considered nonessential prophylaxis. Were administered around 2,800 doses anti-meningitis. This is bacterial meningitis, meningococcal.

At 23.15 the ship is divided from the port of Livorno to Villefranche sur Mer, the arrival is scheduled for 7. Before sailing around 40 passengers asked to get off: the fear was too much. Permission granted, has waited a long time to give them time to prepare their cases and get off.

THE OFFICIAL RELEASE OF MSC
Today aboard the MSC Orchestra is an established fact that a crew member is suffering from bacterial meningitis. It was therefore disembarked and rushed to a hospital where it is already subjected to appropriate medical care. 3 other crew members with suspect symptoms were also landed and entrusted to health facilities for appropriate investigations and therapies. Purely precautionary purposes in conjunction with maritime health authorities was prepared a cure of antibiotic prophylaxis for all passengers in the previous days. The ship is departing according to plan established to continue her cruise.

http://iltirreno.gelocal.it/livorno/...iera-1.5819849

[Salacia]

Hi Alex. You're very welcome; hope you get the information you need quickly.

I'm also concerned for those passengers (and their fellow travellers) that might be on planes or some other mode of public transportation on their way home after the cruise, and are unaware of the outbreak.

Shame on any cruise line that doesn't release all the necessary information to the public as soon as possible after an outbreak of a serious contagious illness. -S.

[Alex71]

Hi Kathleen,

Thank you, this is very helpful. One of the questions my doctor had was regarding the recommended antibiotic, so knowing the kind you got on the ship is a starting point.

BTW, we haven't heard back from the American MSC office yet. In case I find anything out, I'll post it here.

Now as you mention them constantly polishing the railings: the night before we disembarked in Livorno, our son touched one of the railings and was told to immediately wash his hands, so they must have used some pretty strong stuff for desinfection.

[sorcel]

According to the following: http://www.salastampa.salute.gov.it/...ti.jsp?id=3726
the strain is Meningococcal Serotype C
Let us hope some official source can confirm.

Kathleen

[Norwegian Cruiser 73]

MSC Crociere in Italy has also posted updates on their facebookpage:

MSC Crociere conferma che a quattro membri dell’equipaggio sbarcati ieri a Livorno, è stata diagnosticata una meningite batterica. Tutti e quattro sono ora ricoverati in ospedale e tenuti sotto stretta osservazione. In accordo con le autorità sanitarie, tutti i passeggeri e tutti i membri dell’equipaggio hanno ricevuto una profilassi antibiotica come misura precauzionale. Al momento non si segnalano altri casi né tra i membri dell’equipaggio né tra i passeggeri. La Divisione Medica di MSC Crociere è a bordo per tenere sotto controllo la situazione e svolgere ulteriori accertamenti. MSC Orchestra è arrivata oggi regolarmente al porto di Villefranche sur Mer, in Francia, e proseguirà regolarmente la sua navigazione verso Valencia, in Spagna. A i passeggeri imbarcati oggi sarà proposta la profilassi antibiotica, come ulteriore misura precauzionale.
MSC Crociere sta facendo tutto il necessario per salvaguardare la salute dei suoi ospiti e di tutti i membri dell’equipaggio.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/MSC-Crociere/40909081326

[Salacia]

Italian to English translation (provided by Google) of the statement mentioned previously by Kathleen:
http://www.salastampa.salute.gov.it/...ti.jsp?id=3726
The Ministry of Health warned yesterday evening, Sunday, Oct. 7, at 19.55 the French Focal Point for the International Health Regulations of the situation on board the ship MSC ORCHESTRA, where they were found four cases of meningococcal meningitis. And since yesterday the health authorities of the two countries are in constant contact. The cases of the disease were reported from the ship around 16 by the Office of Air and Maritime Health (USMAF) of Livorno. A doctor of 'USMAF spoke on the cruise ship, after reporting illness in two cases of mariners, who were landed and immediately hospitalized at the Hospital of Livorno. The USMAF then gave directions for the isolation and prophylaxis, as provided in these cases, persons in contact with the two seamen, and prophylaxis for all passengers embarked on the same day in Livorno and still on board the ship and for all crew members. Drugs for prophylaxis (2,800 doses) have been found promptly and administered by the ASL responsible for the area. It is of ciprofloxacin and rifampicin. The USMAF has also arranged health surveillance for 7 days for all staff and passengers, and invited the MSC to contact passengers landed in the last seven days, Catania and Naples, to undergo the same prophylaxis. Two other seamen who accused symptoms similar to the first two, were landed and stored in a day. The USMAF of Livorno has warned the episode USMAF Catania and Naples, port of which the ship had stopped a few days earlier.

Today, October 8, 4 cases of meningococcal meningitis were confirmed and two of them is surely involved serotype C. Were found in the crew that used to cooking and that, therefore, they should not have had continuous and close contact with passengers. However, we can not exclude a particular aggressiveness of the pathogen that caused the outbreak on the ship, the Ministry of Health has informed all the regions about the possibility that passengers landed in Italy by MSC ORCHESTRA, alerted by the Company naval might address the prevention departments of ASL or your doctor for evaluation of prophylactic treatment indicated. The offices of the Ministry contacted the international health authorities, for the surveillance measures provided for in the case.

[Salacia]

Originally Posted by Norwegian Cruiser 73

MSC Crociere in Italy has also posted updates on their facebookpage:

MSC Crociere conferma che a quattro membri dell’equipaggio sbarcati ieri a Livorno, è stata diagnosticata una meningite batterica. Tutti e quattro sono ora ricoverati in ospedale e tenuti sotto stretta osservazione. In accordo con le autorità sanitarie, tutti i passeggeri e tutti i membri dell’equipaggio hanno ricevuto una profilassi antibiotica come misura precauzionale. Al momento non si segnalano altri casi né tra i membri dell’equipaggio né tra i passeggeri. La Divisione Medica di MSC Crociere è a bordo per tenere sotto controllo la situazione e svolgere ulteriori accertamenti. MSC Orchestra è arrivata oggi regolarmente al porto di Villefranche sur Mer, in Francia, e proseguirà regolarmente la sua navigazione verso Valencia, in Spagna. A i passeggeri imbarcati oggi sarà proposta la profilassi antibiotica, come ulteriore misura precauzionale.
MSC Crociere sta facendo tutto il necessario per salvaguardare la salute dei suoi ospiti e di tutti i membri dell’equipaggio.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/MSC-Crociere/40909081326

Italian to English translation (again provided by Google)
MSC Cruises confirms that four crew members landed yesterday in Livorno, was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. All four are now hospitalized and closely monitored. According to health authorities, all passengers and all crew members have received prophylactic antibiotics as a precautionary measure. At the time there were no other cases or among the crew or passengers. The Medical Division of MSC Cruises is on board to control the situation and carry out further investigations. MSC Orchestra is now regularly arrived at the port of Villefranche sur Mer, France, on a regular basis and its navigation to Valencia, Spain. A boarding passengers now will be offered antibiotic prophylaxis, as an additional precautionary measure.
MSC Cruises is doing everything necessary to protect the health of all our guests and crew members.

[Alex71]

Originally Posted by sorcel

According to the following: http://www.salastampa.salute.gov.it/...ti.jsp?id=3726
the strain is Meningococcal Serotype C
Let us hope some official source can confirm.

Kathleen

Thank you, this will be very helpful information for our doctor tomorrow. Based on your earlier information, our doctor prescribed us also the Cipro 500 and for the kids Azithromezin 250, all after 9 pm CET.

She said the Cipro is not particularly strong, but does not have any serious side effects either. Normally, stonger antibiotics are needed to treat Meningitis.

No word from MSC yet. I hope they are willing to cover the medical bills. Can't be cheap to keep the doctors up so late just because the can't come across with the needed information.

[Alex71]

Originally Posted by Salacia

MSC Cruises is doing everything necessary to protect the health of all our guests and crew members.

One has to take this as irony given the way they handle this situation. I really like MSC, but I'm starting to wonder if there is a cultural difference in the way incidents are handled.

[MSC Cruises USA]

MSC Cruises confirms that four MSC Orchestra crew members disembarked in Livorno, Italy yesterday, Sunday, October 7th, 2012. They have been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and are receiving appropriate medical treatment in Livorno’s main hospital. No additional crew members or guests have presented with symptoms. All guests and crew were provided with an antibiotic treatment (Ciprofloxacin is the active ingredient) which is easy and safe to take as well as highly effective as a preventative measure. In addition, an MSC Cruises medical taskforce, headed up by Pierfrancesco Lepore, head of MSC Cruises Corporate Medical Services, Specialist in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, have boarded the ship.

MSC Cruises is in close contact with the crew members’ families.

The ship is operating normally. Today MSC Orchestra called as planned in Villefranche, France, where guests enjoyed excursions in the region as well as various onboard entertainment activities. MSC Orchestra is now on her way to Valencia as per her planned itinerary.

[Alex71]

Originally Posted by MSC Cruises USA

MSC Cruises confirms that four MSC Orchestra crew members disembarked in Livorno, Italy yesterday, Sunday, October 7th, 2012. They have been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and are receiving appropriate medical treatment in Livorno’s main hospital. No additional crew members or guests have presented with symptoms. All guests and crew were provided with an antibiotic treatment (Ciprofloxacin is the active ingredient) which is easy and safe to take as well as highly effective as a preventative measure. In addition, an MSC Cruises medical taskforce, headed up by Pierfrancesco Lepore, head of MSC Cruises Corporate Medical Services, Specialist in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, have boarded the ship.

MSC Cruises is in close contact with the crew members’ families.

The ship is operating normally. Today MSC Orchestra called as planned in Villefranche, France, where guests enjoyed excursions in the region as well as various onboard entertainment activities. MSC Orchestra is now on her way to Valencia as per her planned itinerary.

Hi MSC Cruises USA,

Can you confirm the strain of Meningitis? This is critical information that my doctor needs to determine the appropriate treatment.

Thanks!

[Salacia]

For reference on Ciprofloxacin, please see http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000878/

[Alex71]

Originally Posted by Salacia

For reference on Ciprofloxacin, please see http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000878/

Interesting that some of the Cipro side efects are also meningitis symptoms (headache, vomiting).

[MSC Cruises USA]

Hi all,

The form of meningitis is Neisseria.