CDC Cruise Inspectors Laid Off as Ship with Norovirus Outbreak Arrives in Florida

All full-time employees in the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program were laid off recently, coinciding with the arrival of a cruise ship in Miami facing a norovirus outbreak. These laid-off employees were responsible for overseeing gastrointestinal outbreaks on ships, including tracking and responding to such incidents.

A recent arrival, the Seaborn Cruise Lines Encore, reported that 35 out of approximately 800 passengers experienced norovirus symptoms during its 3½-week voyage. The cruise line worked closely with the CDC to ensure proper sanitation protocols were observed.

This staff reduction is part of a larger cut initiated by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which has raised concerns about public health safety in Florida, a hub for cruise ship activities. As reported, there have already been over a dozen norovirus outbreaks in early 2025, many linked to ships departing from Florida.

On the public health front, the CDC assured that safety measures would continue through the U.S. Public Health Service, although only one epidemiologist remains to oversee outbreak investigations, creating further challenges in managing public health on cruise ships.

Florida has seen a record rise in norovirus cases lately, driven by a new strain. Wastewater testing has detected high levels of norovirus across various locations in Florida, highlighting a significant public health risk as travelers frequent major cruise ports.

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