Curacao Vows To Stop Measles Spreading From Scientology Ship
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published May 05, 2019 | 10:00 AM
Willemstad, Cura�ao, Netherlands Antilles, May 5 (AFP/APP) :The Dutch territory of Curacao said Saturday it would do what was needed to prevent measles spreading from a Scientology cruise ship, after a crew member came down with the disease.
The Freewinds, which left the Caribbean island of St. Lucia on Friday, arrived back in its home port of Curacao Saturday.
There were about 300 people aboard the ship, according to Saint Lucia authorities.
The Curacao government said it would "take all necessary precautions to handle the case of measles on board of the Freewinds," including vaccinations.
"An investigation will also be done to determine who will be allowed to leave the ship without (posing) a threat to the population of Curacao," it said in a statement.
The vessel is moored in an area not accessible to the public.
Three health officials had gone aboard to examine passengers, Dutch broadcaster NOS said, quoting its correspondent in Curacao.
Anyone who could prove they had been vaccinated or who had contracted measles in the past would be allowed to leave the ship while the others would have to stay on board, the reporter told NOS.
"It is imperative to make all efforts to prevent a spread of this disease internationally," the Curacao government said.
It said the risk of the disease spreading was relatively low as many people had been already been vaccinated in the past but advised parents to make sure their children were vaccinated.
The Church of Scientology says the 440-foot (134-meter) vessel is used for religious retreats and is normally based in Curacao.
The vessel had arrived in St. Lucia from Curacao on Tuesday, when it was placed under quarantine by health authorities because of a measles patient, said to be a female crew member.
The resurgence of the once-eradicated, highly contagious disease is linked to the growing anti-vaccine movement in richer nations, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified as a major global health threat.
The church, founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in 1953, did not respond to requests for comment.
Its teachings do not directly oppose vaccination, but followers consider illness a sign of personal failing and generally avoid medical interventions.
The Curacao government is asking people who may have visited the Freewinds between April 22 and 28 to report to health authorities.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
Govt committed to empower youth with modern tech, IT: PM
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
LESCO detects 74,285 power pilferers in 219 days
RTO destroys huge quantity of non-duty paid cigarettes
Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm expected in most parts of country: PMD
Pakistan's total liquid foreign reserves reach $ 13.28 billion
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
ENGRO announces strong results for 1st quarter 2024
RDA inflows rise to $7.660 bn in March 24
US economic growth slows significantly in first quarter
FPCCI welcomes direct flights between Pakistan-Azerbaijan
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
2 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
3 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
4 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
4 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
4 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
4 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
6 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
10 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
11 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
11 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
14 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
16 days ago