A norovirus outbreak has caused chaos on a Caribbean Princess cruise ship. A total of 102 passengers and 13 crew members fell ill in this ship, which was traveling with a total of 3,116 passengers. Officials revealed that a total of 115 people have been infected with this virus. The cruise departed from Fort Lauderdale on April 28 and is scheduled to end in Port Canaveral on May 11. As part of the journey, the ship stopped at tourist destinations such as Aruba, Bonaire, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. It was at this time that the passengers started showing symptoms of illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vomiting and diarrhea are the main symptoms of this disease. Princess Cruises called it a stomach bug.
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that infects the stomach and intestines. It spreads very fast. The risk of spreading this virus is high especially in closed and crowded places. This is why viruses like these spread quickly on cruise ships. The virus is easily spread to others through an infected person’s hands, food, water or objects they touch. Commonly used items such as buffet food, swimming pools, elevators, and handrails can spread the virus.
How is travel spread?
Cases increased steadily throughout the journey. The passengers fell ill not all at once but in stages. The CDC issued an official statement after more than 3 percent of all travelers reported cases. At present, the authorities are conducting comprehensive checks on the cleanliness standards and spread of the virus on the ship. Princess Cruises immediately stepped up its cleanup efforts. Sick passengers and staff are being treated separately. Stool samples are collected and tested.
Norovirus symptoms
People infected with this virus suddenly experience vomiting and watery diarrhea. Abdominal pain, nausea, mild fever, headache and fatigue may also be present. Most people recover usually within 1 to 3 days. However, the risk of dehydration is higher in young children, the elderly, and people with other health problems. That is why medical experts suggest that special precautions are required.
Why are cruise ships more dangerous?
Because cruise ships are places where thousands of people travel together in a closed environment, viruses can spread quickly. Some people can spread the virus to others before they show symptoms. Although millions of people in America contract norovirus each year, cruise ship incidents are particularly hotly debated. Because a large number of people are affected at once. Princess Cruises has revealed that it is taking all measures with the CDC to bring the situation under control. It suggests taking precautions like washing hands clean, using sanitizer and staying away from sick people.
