MSC Cruises says it is closely monitoring the “gradually improving” conditions of three crew members recovering from bacterial meningitis.

The crew members were three of four who disembarked from MSC Orchestra in Livorno, Italy earlier this month after exhibiting signs of the infection.

An MSC Cruises spokesperson told e-Travel Blackboard one crew member left the hospital and returned home this week, while the other are still recovering in hospital.

Meanwhile the cruise company said with deepest regret the fourth crew member, Ermandiasa I Gede, died in hospital this week despite “every effort to save him”.

“The company’s thoughts and sympathy are with his family, friends, and colleagues,” a statement from the spokesperson read.