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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, June 29, 2007

NCL cruise staffer had tuberculosis

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 was sent for a medical evaluation May 22 after visiting the ship's medical center. He was diagnosed at a local hospital and was admitted to the hospital for treatment, the company said. No other crew members tested positive for TB.

"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," she said.

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.