Updated at 12:22 p.m., Thursday, June 28, 2007
NCL confirms ex-employee on Hawaii cruise had TB
Advertiser Staff
NCL America has received confirmation from the state Department of Health that one of its former crew members on the Pride of America was diagnosed with tuberculosis, the company said today.The crew member left the ship on May 22, the company said.
"NCL America continues to work closely with the state and federal health officials to ensure the health and safety of all of its guests and crewmembers," the company said in a statement.
While declining to name the company involved, a Health Department spokeswoman today confirmed there was an employee diagnosed with TB.
"There is no imminent risk to the public at this time," spokeswoman Janice Okubo said.
She added, "We have made recommendations to the organizations that are involved in this investigation," but haven't made specific recommendations.
"We're looking at ways to improve and increase screening of employees of that company."
She said when investigating TB cases, screening is generally one of the things that are addressed, but the health department cannot require a company to change its policies.
"In general, we have told them they need to be looking at their screening process and making improvements."
Once a Health Department investigation is complete, "we will be making specific recommendations on how they can improve their screening process to prevent this type of situation from occurring," said Okubo, estimating the investigation will be completed by the end of July.
