So much for a paradise vacation.
Passengers on two cruise ships are dealing with illness.
It’s gotten to be such a concern that the CDC is getting involved to make sure protocols are being followed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating two outbreaks of Norovirus on U.S. cruise ships. The outbreaks occurred on Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess and Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas, affecting a significant number of passengers and crew members.
Norovirus, often referred to as the “stomach bug,” is a highly contagious virus that causes symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. It is not related to the flu, despite sometimes being called the “stomach flu.” This virus can affect anyone and is known for its rapid spread, especially in closed environments like cruise ships.
On the Radiance of the Seas, which sailed from Tampa to Los Angeles from April 8 to April 22, approximately 67 of the 1,993 passengers reported symptoms typical of Norovirus. Additionally, two crew members also fell ill during the voyage. The symptoms experienced by those affected include severe diarrhea and vomiting.
Similarly, the Sapphire Princess experienced an outbreak among its passengers and crew during its voyage from Los Angeles into the South Pacific. The cruise began on April 5 and is scheduled to conclude on May 7. Reports indicate that about 94 of the 2,532 passengers and 20 of the 1,066 crew members have shown symptoms of the virus.
The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) is closely monitoring these outbreaks. The VSP requires cruise ships to maintain stringent sanitation standards and report any illnesses to prevent further spread. This protocol helps the CDC coordinate responses and manage the outbreaks efficiently.
The New York Post reported that 2023 saw some of the highest outbreaks of the norovirus since 2012. There were at least 13 outbreaks and in one case 13% of the 838 passengers on a Viking Cruise trip from Iceland to New York caught the bug.
There have been six norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships so far this year, says the CDC. #handwashinghttps://t.co/sju9Dg1KM4
— Hand Washing (@Hand_Washing) April 30, 2024
