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The Freewinds moored in quarantine in Willemstad on the island of Curaçao, a Dutch entity in the Caribbean, May 4, 2019. REUTERS / Umpi Welvaart

A cruise ship is under surveillance on a Caribbean island. One case of measles was reported aboard the ship belonging to the Church of Scientology. The Freewinds has arrived in Curacao where local authorities ensure that all passengers will be examined.

The Freewinds has been chartered for more than 30 years by the Church of Scientology for cruises presented as "spiritual retreats".

About 300 people are currently on board and this week a case of measles was detected in a crew member.

Arrived last Tuesday in Saint Lucia, the ship and her passengers were quarantined. The boat then traveled to Curaçao, its home port. The authorities of this Dutch autonomous island announce that passengers will be examined " to determine who will be allowed to leave the ship without posing a threat to the population ".

Health services say they will administer the measles vaccine to passengers who have not yet received it.

Regarded as a religion or as a sect by country, the Church of Scientology has not commented on this case. She intervenes against the backdrop of an upsurge in measles cases worldwide. According to WHO, the number of cases of this contagious disease has almost quadrupled since last year.

► Also to listen: Why is measles back? ( The health council )