Howdy, been busy today.....but saw the news tonight on TV. From what I understand the Mississippi Queen had passengers a couple of days ago sick and they first docked at Owensboro, KY, and left off some sick passengers for the hospital. Then, the boat or someone got in contact with Henderson, Ky, Methodist Hospital, where emergency personel reacted by getting the Hospital ER unit ready, about 20 medical responders met the boat with buses and ambulances to transport folks from the boat when able, all medical folks wore masks, several doctors were called in to respond. From indications of the Evansville Courier newspaper, yes, they had a front page story and big color photo on back of front section, and from the other news media, the Mississippi Queen left Henderson this afternoon and headed for Paducah, Ky, where the CDC will meet to see where/how this virus may have started and is it contained on such a small and confined setting. Supposedly, two doctors are traveling with the boat to be of service. There were symptons of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, lots of dehydration. Even a former editor of our newspaper was one of the passengers on board. It is alleged that there were 380 passengers on board and between 35 to 50 got sick, with it being for sure about 35 folks. You know how news stories can go.....up to fifty folks affected. The boat was going from Cincinnati, OH, to St. Louis, MO, for a fall foilage cruise. Public dining rooms were closed. Passengers still staying on the boat were to be checked again to keep watch of other break outs. Rails, door knobs, anything continually getting contact was advised to be aware of the risk of spreading the virus, expected to be the Norfalk virus.....I don't know the spelling....the one on the large cruise ships. Folks seemed to be in good spirits even with the break out. Some folks left in Taxis, but don't know if that was departing folks. I'm sure that the situation was handled greatly by the Mississippi Queen staff. The folks here will jump at helping the boats as everyone now realizes, and I'm talking two years of a grind to get the word out more, the importance to be of service to any of the Queen series. As a matter of fact, today the Alcoa company helped clean out Pigeon creek and entry ways to help clean up the waterways. Folks realize the economic development and in a faster gear than in the past. Supposedly there were about 100 medical responders to be there just incase the folks needed any assistance. There are a few still in the hospital, but it is mostly dehydration in effect. So, when the CDC (Center for Disease Control) goes over the boat with some medical folks, I'm sure they'll find out what can be done. I hope the best on that one.
Well, that is all I know. Was out on errands today, the sunny skies, the gorgeous leaves on the trees made it for a terrific day to be out and enjoy the autumn day. I told you what I know and that is all I've heard or read.
Our area, in time, will prove its worth in being more of a service to the river boats, steamboats, and yachts in our country. Henderson, Ky, has a leg up on all of us, as does Mt. Vernon and Tell City, IN. Owensboro, KY, in two years will be a definite powerhouse. Evansville, IN, we'll do the best we can.....slowly, folks are trying to improve the river banks, the waterways around the Ohio River, and certainly everyone, the cities, are working to make their water fronts and improved docking situations shine.
Up here, if you have any questions, call Jim Hall at 812-483-2536, of the Nu Plaza Yacht Club, at marker 797, who also helps with the Dogtown Boat Ramp. He has the largest private marina in this area and has some impressive clients that stop by from Chicago to Florida. Henderson, Ky, and the staff at the Methodist Hospital will help the Mississippi Queen passengers with a lot of care and concern. They'd be precious cargo to us in this area. Hope the best for those passengers who got sick. And, hope the others are able to still enjoy something from their cruise. The leaves here are spectacular at this time. Best I've seen in years!! Mary
