Onboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, 277 people have been affected by an outbreak of vomiting bug Norovirus. One of the largest cruise ships in the world, Oasis of the Seas was pulling into port in Jamaica when the illness – also known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’ struck. The ship has travelled from Florida to Jamaica, docking in Falmouth.
The vessel had docked along the northern side of Jamaica before staff were made aware of the bug spreading.
The 18 deck ship had been carrying passengers as part of a seven-day tour of the Caribbean islands.
Owen Torres, a spokesman for Royal Caribbean told Florida Today yesterday: “As of today, 167 cases of gastrointestinal illness have been reported since Sunday, representing 2 percent of the nearly 9,000 guests and crew on board.“
One passenger took to Twitter to complain about not being allowed to leave the ship.
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They said: “We’re docked at Falmouth Jamaica. Level 3 Norovirus outbreak. 100+ passengers and a crew member sick.
“Canceled shore excursion. Waiting to see if Jamaican authorities let us off the ship.”
It has since been announced that the ship will be returning to port in Florida a day early and that those on board will be given full refunds of their fare.
Mr Torres said in a statement to the Associated Press: “We think the right thing to do is get everyone home early rather than have guests worry about their health.”
He also said the ship would return to Port Canaveral on Saturday, and that returning a day early will give the cruise line “more time to completely clean and sanitise the ship” before it sets sail again.
Norovirus has also been spreading across the UK, with a school in Hampshire having to close in December after a reported outbreak.
Around 45 students at Marchwood Junior School showed signs of the winter bug, according to the Southern Daily Echo.
At the time, the school’s website said: “There is a sickness bug currently in school which seems to have escalated today.
“Please note the school will be shut on Monday, December 3 in order to deep clean the school.”
There was a similar outbreak at Westbury Infant School in Wiltshire, closing for the day on Friday, December 7.
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a stomach bug that, according to the NHS, causes vomiting and diarrhoea and can be very unpleasant.
Symptoms include:
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Diarrhoea
- Being sick (vomiting)
- A high temperature of 38C or above
- A headache
- Aching arms and legs
Symptoms begin suddenly, just one to two days after being infected.
The bug is spread easily, and can be caught through –
- Close contact with someone with norovirus
- Touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth
- Eating food that’s been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus
If you suspect you or someone you know has norovirus, the best thing to do is remain home to prevent spread, rest and take in plenty of fluids.
Frequent hand washing and the use of antibacterial hand gels can prevent spread.