PHILIPSBURG--Cruise vessel Celebrity Silhouette on Monday reported that 31 persons on board had contracted gastroenteritis.

The vessel, which docked at Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities with more than 3,000 passengers and crew members on board, took the necessary precautionary measures by isolating affected passengers, sanitising areas on the vessel and cleaning public areas on a regular basis, Collective Prevention Services (CPS) official Maria Henry said last night.

She said the ship had reported the gastroenteritis cases in its mandatory health declaration, which is a requirement for vessels that dock in St. Maarten. The number of cases was below the threshold, less than three per cent of the number of persons on board, and the vessel was allowed to dock. The affected passengers were asked to remain in their cabins. Regular announcements were also made aboard the vessel.

The health declaration requires cruise vessels to, among other things, declare illnesses on board 48, 24 and sometimes three hours before docking.

"This ship followed protocol in regard to isolation and sanitation and regular information to passengers," Henry said.

By the time the vessel left port late Monday, the number of confirmed gastroenteritis cases had dropped to 26.