According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships has reached the highest level in over a decade.
In 2023, 13 outbreaks were recorded in six different companies, surpassing the previous record set in 2012, when there were 16 outbreaks in eight different companies throughout the entire year.
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What is norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious and resilient virus that causes gastrointestinal disorders, which can lead to several complications, putting the infected person's life at risk.
Spread occurs through ingestion of contaminated food and water, as well as contact with infected individuals.
This is one of the most common illnesses on cruise ships, as they are conducive environments for mass infections. In addition, it is also frequently associated with cases of food poisoning.
CBS News reports that the virus causes gastroenteritis, which manifests itself through symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps.
cases on ships
In June, a case came to attention during a Viking Cruises voyage from Iceland to New York. Of the 838 passengers on board, at least 13% reported symptoms characteristic of this virus. In addition, nine crew members on the same ship also showed symptoms of the disease.
In another incident, which occurred in May, while on a Celebrity Cruises cruise, approximately 7% (152 people) of the 2,144 passengers were infected with the norovirus. In addition, 2.6% (25 people) of the 963 crew members were also contaminated.
Similarly, during a cruise in May, 12.4% (246 people) of 1,971 passengers and 4.6% (38 people) of 826 crew members contracted the virus.
On a Princess Cruises cruise aboard the Ruby Princess, nearly 10% of the 2,881 passengers showed symptoms characteristic of the norovirus.
The cause of the rise in norovirus cases on cruise ships is still unclear. Despite requests for comment, the CDC did not provide further information on the matter.
As such, passengers planning to embark on cruise travel should take necessary precautions such as practicing good hygiene. hands, avoid close contact with people who have symptoms, and promptly report any signs of illness to the hospital's medical staff. ship.
