Home / Health / Cruise Ship Hit by Third Illness Outbreak
Cruise Ship Hit by Third Illness Outbreak
17 Jul
Summary
- 18 passengers fell ill on National Geographic Sea Bird ship.
- This marks the third gastrointestinal illness outbreak on the ship.
- CDC is investigating the recurring sickness incidents.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently investigating a third outbreak of gastrointestinal illness aboard a National Geographic cruise ship. The National Geographic Sea Bird experienced this latest incident during its July 10 voyage, with 18 out of 62 passengers reporting symptoms such as abdominal cramps and vomiting.
The exact cause of this most recent outbreak remains unknown. The cruise company has implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols, alongside isolating affected passengers, as part of its response. This recurring situation is concerning, as the same vessel experienced two prior outbreaks in May and June, both of which were identified as norovirus.
Nationally, the CDC has recorded eight outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruises that met public notification thresholds this year. Norovirus has been identified as the cause in five of these instances, with E. coli being responsible for two. These outbreaks, while concerning, represent a small fraction of all reported outbreaks, with most occurring within communities rather than on ships.
