Norwegian Cruise Lines America Confirms former Employee Aboard Pride of America was Diagnosed with Tuberculosis

Norwegian Cruise Lines America has admitted that one of its ex-crew members aboard the Pride of America was diagnosed with tuberculosis. However, NCL America did not say whether their employee worked directly with passengers or not. TB screening procedures would seem to be the issue of the day and whether NCL America should not re-examine their. However, when it comes to the cruise line industry this is just one of the many issues that seemed to be overlooked. One does begin to wonder just what is the screening process that NCL America and others have when it comes to hiring employees for infectious and contagious diseases.

It’s unclear whether the cruise employee who got TB on the “Pride of America” worked directly with passengers or whether he worked in the engineering areas of the ship, away from customers, officials said.

In a statement, NCL said, “Anyone who was designated as a potential contact is being appropriately screened, and there is no imminent risk to the public.”

The cruise line said it continues to “work closely with the state and federal health officials to ensure the health and safety of all its guests and crew members.” (Yahoo News)

NCL America, if you are working to ensure the health and safety of your guests and crew members wouldn’t you pre-screen all employees before hire for TB? The nature of the cruise industry of being in contact with others and dealing with closed confined areas would almost seem to warrant it. Instead, NCL America only tests “some” of their employees but failed to say which ones.

The cruise line already tests some of its employees for TB when they’re hired, but state health officials said they want them to be re-tested more frequently than they are now. An NCL spokeswoman did not immediately comment on which of its cruise line employees it tests for TB, but state officials have said repeat testing is important because the disease can take months and years before showing symptoms…