Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Norovirus Sickens Hundreds on Cruise Ship Bound for Britain
A significant norovirus outbreak has affected over 200 passengers aboard the Queen Mary 2, a luxury cruise liner en route to Britain. The vessel, operated by Cunard Line, is anticipated to dock in Southampton this Sunday after a 29-night voyage.
Extent of the Illness
Reports indicate that at least 224 passengers and 17 crew members have experienced illness on the Queen Mary 2. This gastrointestinal issue was reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) approximately ten days into the voyage, which commenced from Southampton on March 8 and included destinations in the eastern Caribbean and New York City.
Approximately nine percent of the 2,538 passengers and 1.4 percent of the 1,232 crew members have been affected by the suspected norovirus.
Symptoms and Norovirus Information
The CDC has stated that the predominant symptoms among those affected are diarrhea and vomiting, consistent with norovirus infections. Norovirus, often called the “stomach bug,” is highly contagious and spreads easily through contaminated food, water, and direct contact with infected individuals.
While most individuals recover from norovirus within one to three days, contagiousness can persist for up to two weeks, according to the CDC. The infection can lead to gastroenteritis, characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, and dehydration.
Response and Protocols
In response to the norovirus outbreak, the crew of the Queen Mary 2 has implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols throughout the ship, adhering to its established outbreak prevention and response plan.
Ship officials have initiated isolation procedures for ill passengers and crew members. The CDC also reports that stool samples have been collected from those affected by gastrointestinal illness for laboratory testing to confirm the presence of norovirus.
Furthermore, the crew is collaborating with the VSP, providing updates on sanitation measures and reported cases of illness.
Voyage Details and Return
The CDC clarified that the reported case numbers reflect cumulative totals for the entire voyage and do not indicate the simultaneous illness of all reported individuals.
The Queen Mary 2 is scheduled to return to England on Sunday, concluding its 29-night journey. The cruise itinerary, as published on Cunard Line’s website, included port calls at Sint Maarten, St Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, Dominica, St Kitts, the UK Virgin Islands, and New York City.
Norovirus: Symptoms and Contagion
Typical Symptom Onset
Individuals infected with norovirus typically develop symptoms within 12 to 48 hours following exposure to the virus.
Common Norovirus Symptoms
The most frequently reported symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
Some individuals may also experience fever, headache, and body aches.
Dehydration Risk
The CDC emphasizes that norovirus infection can cause dehydration, particularly posing a risk to young children, elderly individuals, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Cunard Line has been contacted for comment regarding this situation.