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150 Sick on Cruise Ship: Vomiting and Diarrhea Plague Passengers
13 Mar
Summary
- Over 150 people were sickened on a cruise ship.
- Vomiting and diarrhea were the main symptoms reported.
- Norovirus is often linked to cruises but common in communities.
A significant norovirus outbreak has sickened over 150 individuals on the Star Princess cruise ship. Of the 4,307 guests and crew aboard, 104 guests and 49 crew members reported gastrointestinal illness, primarily characterized by vomiting and diarrhea. The ship, currently on a Caribbean cruise, is expected to return to Fort Lauderdale on March 14.
Princess Cruises has implemented extensive disinfection protocols and separated ill passengers to prevent further spread. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is conducting an environmental assessment and outbreak investigation to assist the ship's containment efforts. This marks the second reported cruise ship outbreak meeting CDC notification thresholds this year.
While cruise ships are a common setting for norovirus outbreaks due to close proximity, the illness is far more prevalent in community environments. Facilities like daycares and nursing homes are also frequent sites for norovirus transmission, often going unreported.
