St Lucia quarantines cruise ship over measles case

A US cruise ship has been placed in quarantine by the Caribbean island of St Lucia after a case of measles was reported on board, the island’s chief medical officer said. Dr Merlene Fredericks James said there was a confirmed case of measles on board and “thought it prudent that we quarantine the ship”.

No-one aboard was allowed to leave.

The ship is reportedly the Freewinds, which is said to be owned and operated by the Church of Scientology.

Dr Frederick-James said in a video statement posted on YouTube on Tuesday that the ministry learned of the confirmed measles case from “two reputable sources”. She cited the fact that measles was a highly infectious disease as a factor in the decision.