A further 39 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed on cruise ship Diamond Princess in Japan.
The rise in cases brings the number of infections on the ship quarantined in Yokohama up to 174, after 66 passengers were confirmed to have contracted the virus on Monday.
The new total means that the ship is the largest single cluster of the virus outside China.
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Almost 500 people out of the 3,700 passengers and crew on board have been tested with plans to step up the process.
A Princess Cruises spokesperson said: “Princess Cruises can confirm an announcement, from the Japanese Ministry of Health, of 39 new positive cases of coronavirus on board Diamond Princess.
“We are following guidance from the Japan Ministry of Health on plans for disembarkation protocols to provide medical care for these new cases.
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“The Japan Ministry of Health has been the lead public health authority defining the testing protocols for all guests and crew on Diamond Princess.
“Additional information will be shared as soon as it is made available to use by the Ministry of Health.”
The quarantine is due to end on February 19.
Princess’ fleet operations chief Rai Caluori issued a video update on Wednesday and responded to suggestions the virus was spreading via air handling systems.
“There’s no evidence the virus can spread between rooms through the air handling system…staying in your room and limiting contact are the best ways to minimise exposure,” he said.
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