Norovirus Outbreak on Luxury Cruise Ship

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Outbreak Details

A norovirus outbreak aboard a luxury cruise ship has struck passengers and crew members hard, with more than 240 people falling sick on the Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said in an outbreak report that 224 of the ship’s 2,538 passengers have fallen ill from the virus, as well as an additional 17 staff members.

The vessel departed Southampton in the U.K. on March 8 for a nearly month-long cruise to New York and then through the Caribbean, making various stops along the island chain. It is due back in Southampton on April 6.

Infectious disease expert Dr. William Schaffner, a professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told CNN Travel earlier this year that norovirus is “known obviously as the cruise ship virus.”

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Norovirus Characteristics

It’s highly contagious and thrives in places where people gather in close quarters, making cruise ships susceptible to outbreaks. There have been 10 norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships so far this year, the CDC reports.

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How to manage symptoms of the highly infectious Norovirus

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Transmission and Symptoms

“This is a virus that can infect you with very few viral particles. In other words, the infectious dose is very small,” said Schaffner.

“It can persist for days or even a week on environmental surfaces, which means that if you put your fingers on a contaminated surface, you can pick up a few viral particles, touch your mouth and then initiate an infection.”

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Outbreak Response

According to the CDC, this particular outbreak has seen passengers fall ill with vomiting and diarrhea. The health agency says Cunard had stepped up its cleaning and disinfection protocols, and that sick passengers and crew are being quarantined.

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“Thanks to the swift response from our crew and the additional measures that we have in place, we are already seeing a reduction in reported cases,” Cunard said in a statement to The New York Times on Tuesday.

The CDC describes norovirus as a very contagious virus that can be contracted from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines, which leads to stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

Norovirus illness can be serious, especially for young children and older adults.

Conclusion

The norovirus outbreak on the Queen Mary 2 is a reminder of the importance of proper hygiene and sanitation practices, especially in closed environments like cruise ships. By taking swift action and implementing additional measures, Cunard has been able to reduce the number of reported cases and prevent further spread of the virus.

Frequently Asked Questions

A: Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause inflammation of the stomach or intestines, leading to symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Q: How is norovirus spread?

A: Norovirus can be spread through contaminated food or water, touching contaminated surfaces, or close contact with an infected person.

Q: What are the symptoms of norovirus illness?

A: Symptoms of norovirus illness include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.

Q: How can I prevent norovirus illness?

A: To prevent norovirus illness, practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom or before eating. Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick, and avoid contaminated food and water.

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