Tuberculosis cases lead to cancellation of queen's visit to British naval ship

A second sailor on one of Britain's largest naval vessels has been hospitalized with tuberculosis, leading to the cancellation of a visit by Queen Elizabeth II, a Royal Navy spokesman said Friday.

Photo: Tuberculosis cases lead to cancellation of queen's visit to British naval ship

The crewman is the second since May to be diagnosed with the disease onboard the HMS Ocean, a helicopter carrier that can carry up to 1,270 personnel. It was at the Portsmouth naval base on the south coast of England on Friday. The queen had planned to visit the ship next week when it is to be docked in London.

"The queen's visit was canceled for medical reasons," said Royal Navy spokeswoman Lorraine Coulton. "The disease can be quite infectious."

The first Ocean crewman to contract the disease was diagnosed in May and treated at a hospital in Scotland. He has made a full recovery, the spokesman said.

The 667-foot (200-meter) ship carries 12 medium support helicopters and six attack helicopters. It is equipped for limited anti-submarine warfare and anti-terrorism operations, the spokesman said, reports AP.