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Published on
05.05.2019 at 05:54
by
AFP
The Dutch territory of Curacao announced Saturday that it would take steps to prevent measles from spreading from a Scientology cruise ship, after a crew member has had the disease.
The Freewinds, who left the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia on Friday, returned Saturday to their home port of Curacao.
According to the authorities of Saint Lucia, there were about 300 people on board the ship.
The Curaçao government said it would "take every precaution to treat the case of measles aboard the Freewinds," including vaccinations.
"An investigation will also be conducted to determine who will be allowed to leave the vessel without posing a threat to the population of Curacao," the statement said.
The ship is moored in an area not accessible to the public.
Three health officials boarded the plane to examine the pbadengers, said the Dutch broadcaster NOS, quoting his correspondent in Curacao.
Anyone who could prove that she has been vaccinated or who has contracted measles in the past will be allowed to leave the ship while the others will have to stay on board, the reporter told NOS.
"It is imperative to make every effort to prevent the spread of this disease internationally," said the Curaçao government.
He said the risk of spreading the disease was relatively low, many people have been vaccinated in the past, but advised parents to make sure their children were vaccinated.
The Church of Scientology has stated that this 134-meter vessel is used for religious retreats and is normally based in Curacao.
The ship had arrived in St. Lucia from Curacao Tuesday, after being quarantined by health authorities because of a patient with measles, who would be a member of the crew.
The reappearance of the highly contagious disease, once eradicated, is linked to the growing movement of anti-vaccines in the richest countries, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified as a major threat to global health.
The church, founded by sci-fi writer L. Ron Hubbard in 1953, did not respond to requests for comment.
His teachings do not directly contrast with vaccination, but adherents view the disease as a sign of personal failure and usually avoid medical interventions.
The Curaçao government is asking people who have visited the Freewinds between 22 and 28 April to report to the health authorities.
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