Cruise ships report worst year for stomach sickness in over a decade
Gastrointestinal Illness Outbreaks on Cruise Ships
This December, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a concerning rise in gastrointestinal illnesses aboard cruise ships. In five separate outbreaks, a total of 781 passengers and 109 crew members have fallen ill. Symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting, with norovirus identified as the cause in three of the outbreaks. The situation has raised alarms, especially as overall cases of norovirus have surged across the United States. With the cruise industry still recovering from the pandemic, these outbreaks mark a significant return of gastrointestinal illnesses that had previously declined during the shutdown.
Recent Outbreaks and Their Impact
The CDC’s latest data reveals that 16 stomach illness outbreaks have occurred on cruise ships this year, the highest number since 2012. The recent outbreaks have affected four ships, including the Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2. This ship has reported illness during back-to-back sailings, with 326 of 2,565 passengers and 65 of 1,233 crew members experiencing symptoms. The cruise line has responded by implementing enhanced health protocols, including deep cleaning of public areas and close monitoring by medical staff.
The other ships involved in the outbreaks include Ruby Princess and Holland America Line’s Rotterdam and Zuiderdam. The CDC confirmed that norovirus was responsible for the illnesses on these vessels. Holland America Line stated that the cases were mostly mild and resolved quickly. They also initiated enhanced sanitation protocols in collaboration with the CDC to prevent further transmission. The cruise industry is under scrutiny as it navigates these outbreaks, which have become a significant concern for passengers and health officials alike.
Understanding Norovirus and Its Transmission
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can lead to severe gastrointestinal illness. Health experts emphasize that the cruise ship environment, often crowded and semi-enclosed, can facilitate the rapid spread of this virus. Kimon Zachary, an infectious diseases physician, explains that communal dining settings increase the risk of transmission. If a kitchen worker is ill, they can contaminate food, and passengers can spread the virus by touching shared utensils at buffets.
Moreover, sick individuals can spread norovirus by touching surfaces like doorknobs and elevator buttons. The CDC has reported that the majority of gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships are attributed to norovirus, which can survive routine cleaning procedures. While the cruise industry has implemented strict cleaning and sanitation practices, the nature of the virus makes it challenging to contain outbreaks once they begin. Passengers are advised to take precautions, such as washing their hands frequently and avoiding communal dining options where utensils are shared.
Preventive Measures for Passengers
To minimize the risk of contracting norovirus while cruising, passengers should adopt several preventive measures. Health officials recommend washing hands with soap and water frequently, especially after touching surfaces that others have also touched. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not sufficient on their own, as they may not eliminate all traces of the virus.
Passengers should also be cautious about dining options that involve shared utensils. Avoiding buffets or communal dining settings can significantly reduce the risk of exposure. Additionally, individuals who have recently recovered from norovirus symptoms should be mindful, as they may still shed the virus even after feeling better.
