Passengers on a recent Norwegian Cruise Line sailing in Alaska have been warned to look out for measles-like symptoms after a fellow cruiser was confirmed to have contracted the highly contagious disease.
A 16-year-old non-US citizen was aboard the Norwegian Jewel last week and was placed in isolation shortly after embarking.
Health officials said the risk of it spreading among other guests is low as the teen was already in recovery mode of the measles infection.
"The reason why we notify healthcare providers in a situation like this, even though it’s a low-risk, is measles is so highly contagious," said state epidemiologist Dr. Joe McLaughlin.
The ship made calls in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Glacier Bay before ending in Seward.
The girl’s parents said she never received a MMR vaccination.
Passengers who may have been in contact with her have been urged to look for possible symptoms including rashes, fever and red eyes.
It is thought the girl caught the disease in Asia days prior to taking the cruise.
