CDC Reports: 2023 Sees Worst Outbreak of Stomach Illnesses on Cruise Ships in Over a Decade

In 2024, cruise ships experienced an unprecedented surge in gastrointestinal illness outbreaks, marking it as the worst year in over a decade, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most of these outbreaks were attributed to norovirus, a highly contagious virus that spreads through contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, and tainted food or beverages.

Symptoms of norovirus include sudden onset of vomiting and diarrhea, accompanied by nausea, stomach pain, body aches, headaches, and fever.

In December alone, there were five significant outbreaks aboard various cruise lines suspected to be caused by norovirus. This increase in outbreaks was not isolated to cruise ships, as the CDC reported a rise in norovirus cases on land as well.

For further details, the CDC’s outbreak data can be found here.


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