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Norovirus Strikes Cruise Ship, Second Outbreak in a Month
1 Jul
Summary
- Nearly two dozen people fell ill with norovirus on a recent cruise.
- This marks the second norovirus outbreak on the same ship recently.
- Health officials are monitoring the ship's response and sanitation.
A recent voyage on the National Geographic Sea Bird concluded on June 30 with a norovirus outbreak, affecting 19 out of 68 guests and one crew member. Symptoms primarily included diarrhea and vomiting.
This incident marks the second norovirus outbreak on the same vessel within the last month. An earlier outbreak ended May 31, leading health officials to conduct further investigations and provide assistance.
In response to the ongoing cases, the cruise company has intensified disinfection and cleaning protocols and has isolated affected passengers and crew. The Vessel Sanitation Program is remotely monitoring the situation and reviewing the ship's outbreak response and sanitation procedures.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded six outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruises this year that met public notification thresholds, with norovirus being the cause of most. Norovirus is frequently associated with cruise ship environments due to close proximity of passengers.
