Fred. Olsen Confirms Positive Legionella Results

Two passengers aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' 17-day Baltic itinerary on the Black Watch have tested positive for Legionella, the cruise line confirmed on Wednesday. Both patients are said to be resting comfortably and responding to treatment. Legionella is commonly contracted through the inhalation of mist droplets containing the bacteria, which can sometimes be prevalent in hot tub devices. Altogether, seven passengers were hospitalized in Stockholm on July 27 after displaying pneumonia-like symptoms. Four of the passengers have returned to the UK, while one has remained in Stockholm with a non-related illness. Investigations are underway to determine where the infection was contracted. The ship had previously visited five ports in northern Europe before its arrival in Stockholm. The ship arrived in Dover on Monday, two days ahead of schedule in order to undergo a thorough cleansing. Fred. Olsen now reports that the Health Protection Agency has green lit the ship to depart on schedule on Wednesday evening on a 10-night cruise to Iberia and Morocco.