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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned of an increase in stomach virus outbreaks on cruise ships. The figure is alarming since it exceeds the number of waves for 10 years, in total there have been 13 so far this year.
What worries the health authorities is that the year is halfway over, which is why the number compared to the 2012 case remains in doubt. In 2022 there were only four outbreaks of the virus with 235 guests and crew members included , even with peak travel times after the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the CDC, norovirus is highly infectious and is often labeled a stomach virus. It is usually the most common cause of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. People are infected through contaminated water or food, it can also be acquired by touching a contaminated surface.
That is why they recommend washing your hands continuously, disinfecting surfaces with bleach, cooking more carefully by handling food correctly, and washing clothes with hot water. These recommendations would help prevent the spread of norovirus.
Outbreaks are reported by the CDC when they exceed 2% or more of the passengers, also when the crew reports symptoms of gastrointestinal illness to the ship’s medical staff.
In turn, cruise ships must notify the disease after 15 days upon arrival at a port in the United States. They must comply with the characteristic of carrying more than 100 passengers on board and sailing between three and 21 days, to report the outbreak.
most recent cases
The most recent outbreak was the one that occurred on the Viking Neptune, where more than 100 passengers were infected with the virus. The CDC reported that 100 passengers became ill on the Viking Cruises ship, representing 13.1% of all travelers.
The company told the Wall Street Journal that the outbreak “originated at a seaside restaurant in Iceland where a group of guests dined during their free time.”
In the 13 outbreaks that occurred between cruise ships that docked in the United States during 2023, nearly 1,700 passengers reported contracting the virus during the voyage, along with 240 crew members who also had symptoms of upset stomach.
“Because cruise ships report illnesses to the CDC, there is more visibility and faster reporting to health authorities, not to be confused with a higher incidence rate on board,” a spokesperson for the Association told the Wall Street Journal. Cruise Lines International.
Cruise companies reporting norovirus cases included Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and P&O Cruises.