Over 150 Sickened in Norovirus Outbreak on Princess Cruise Ship
More than 150 passengers and crew members became ill during a recent cruise aboard the Star Princess due to a norovirus outbreak, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The incident occurred on a seven-day Caribbean cruise that began on March 7.
Out of the 4,307 passengers and 1,561 crew members aboard, 104 passengers and 49 crew members reported symptoms typical of norovirus, such as vomiting and diarrhea, affecting roughly 2% to 3% of those on board.
The outbreak was first reported to the CDC on March 11, after which the cruise line enacted various containment measures, including increased cleaning and disinfection, isolating affected individuals, and collecting stool samples for testing. The CDC mandates notification when at least 2% of passengers or crew members report gastrointestinal illness, which triggered this response.
Following the return of the vessel to port on March 14, a thorough deep cleaning was conducted before it set out on its next voyage. Currently, the CDC is investigating the incident to understand how the virus spread and to develop strategies to prevent further outbreaks, especially since norovirus is known for its rapid transmission in crowded environments aboard cruise ships.
For continued updates, resources, and insights related to health and safety on cruises, the CDC provides a Vessel Sanitation Program that monitors gastrointestinal illnesses on vessels docking at U.S. ports.
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At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising. Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry. Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
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