According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a total of 153 individuals aboard the Star Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, contracted norovirus during a one-week Caribbean cruise.
Out of those affected, 104 were passengers, and 49 were crew members. The symptoms they reported included diarrhea and vomiting.
The report indicated that the cruise concluded its voyage on Sunday, and the outbreak was reported to the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program on Wednesday. Their team was dispatched to the ship to investigate the situation.
The federal agency noted that the illness was reported while the ship was on a week-long journey. In response to the outbreak, Princess Cruises implemented additional cleaning and disinfection measures, isolated sick passengers and crew until disembarkation, and consulted with the CDC on best practices to eradicate the virus, which is described as highly contagious and resilient.
The cruise line did not immediately respond to a request for comment made on Saturday. The Star Princess is based in Florida and had launched just five months ago.
According to CruiseMapper, a site specializing in cruise information and cited by Telemundo 51, the vessel, which can accommodate 4,307 passengers, returned to Fort Lauderdale on Sunday and set sail again that night to Princess Cays in the Bahamas, beginning a new journey.
Preventive Measures Against Norovirus
The CDC reminded the public that norovirus is the leading cause of outbreaks of diarrhea and vomiting in the United States. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, consumption of contaminated food or liquids, and touching contaminated surfaces.
Among the prevention recommendations are frequent disinfection of surfaces and regular hand washing.
The Star Princess features a transparent dome over its concert hall and boasts 30 bars and restaurants. It embarked on its maiden voyage from Europe in October and was christened the following month by actor Matthew McConaughey and his wife, Camila, who were named as the ship's godparents, as stated in a press release from Princess Cruises.
Understanding Norovirus and Prevention
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain.
How can norovirus outbreaks be prevented on cruises?
Effective prevention measures include frequent cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, regular hand washing, and isolating infected individuals to prevent the spread of the virus.
Why is norovirus common on cruise ships?
The close quarters and shared spaces on cruise ships facilitate the rapid spread of norovirus, especially if hygiene practices are not rigorously followed.