More than 100 passengers and crew fell ill during a norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess cruise ship. However, passengers say life on the ship continues to be surprisingly normal.
Passenger Jan van Milligen told NBC News on Saturday: “The normal atmosphere is still here,” adding: “Last night we went to a show, this morning we had dinner and breakfast.”
The norovirus scare comes on the heels of a hantavirus outbreak reported on a Dutch-flagged cruise ship.
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The Caribbean Princess cruise ship experienced an outbreak of norovirus that infected more than 100 passengers and crew. The main symptoms reported were vomiting and diarrhea.
Norovirus can spread quickly in close quarters like cruise ships. It can be spread through contaminated food, water and surfaces, or through direct contact with infected individuals. Small droplets from vomit can also contribute to its spread.
The cruise line has implemented increased hygiene procedures, disinfecting all areas of the ship and isolating sick passengers and crew. Passengers were also urged to wash their hands frequently and maintain hygiene, with the self-service buffet suspended.
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that are usually spread through contact with infected rodents or their urine, saliva, or feces. However, the Andean strain can rarely spread between humans.
Health experts have clarified that there is no risk of a pandemic threat from hantavirus due to the low probability of human-to-human transmission. The risk to the wider public is considered low.
Read also | Norovirus Outbreak! Almost 100 people get sick on board the cruise ship
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak was reported on Thursday during the ship’s April 28 to May 11 voyage through the Caribbean. The outbreak infected 102 people out of a total of 3,116 passengers and 13 crew members. The predominant symptoms reported were vomiting and diarrhea, and the agency cited norovirus as the cause.
The Princess cruise ship is introducing increased hygiene measures
The cruise line said it had implemented increased hygiene procedures, while the CDC said sick passengers and crew members were isolated and stool samples were taken for testing.
In a statement, Princess Cruises said “a limited number of individuals reported mild gastrointestinal illness” during the cruise from Port Everglades, Florida. It further said that every area of the ship was quickly disinfected and additional disinfection measures were taken during the voyage.
Additionally, upon the cruise’s arrival at Port Canaveral on May 11, Caribbean Princess will undergo comprehensive cleaning and sanitization prior to departure on its next cruise.
Read also | More than 70 passengers fall ill in norovirus outbreak on Royal Caribbean Cruise
The passenger is reminded of the strict measures on board
In an interview with NBC, Van Milligen emphasized the strict measures taken to stop the spread of the virus. He said the cruise line had taken all necessary measures to limit the spread of the virus, adding that passengers had also been informed in time.
Some of the changes Van Milligen witnessed included passengers washing their hands frequently and being more careful about hygiene. In addition, passengers were no longer allowed to serve themselves in the buffet.
What is norovirus: Symptoms and how is it spread?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), norovirus is a viral infection and the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. It usually causes sudden onset of diarrhea and vomiting. New evidence also suggests that norovirus infection may be linked to intestinal inflammation, malnutrition and long-term health complications.
According to the CDC, it can spread quickly in close quarters, including on cruise ships. It can spread through contaminated food, water and surfaces in several ways.
Read also | Hantavirus outbreak: WHO urges calm as cruise ship approaches Tenerife
A person infected with the virus can touch food with their bare hands, which allows direct transmission of the virus. Food can also become contaminated if it is placed on surfaces containing small particles of vomit or faeces. In some cases, small droplets released when an infected person vomits can land on food. Contaminated water used in agriculture or harvesting seafood, such as oysters grown in polluted water, can also spread the virus.
The virus can also spread through contaminated water, including recreational and drinking water sources. Water can become contaminated when sewage or leaking septic tanks enter wells or tanks. It can also spread if an infected person vomits or defecates in water. Improper water treatment, including insufficient chlorine levels, can further increase the risk of transmission.
Norovirus can also survive on contaminated surfaces and spread through contact with infected individuals. A sick person can touch surfaces with unwashed hands and leave the virus behind. Contaminated food, water or objects placed on surfaces can also spread the infection. Tiny droplets from vomit can spread through the air, settle on nearby surfaces, or even enter another person’s mouth. In some cases, diarrhea from an infected person can splash onto surrounding surfaces and contribute to further spread.
Hantavirus outbreak
The norovirus outbreak comes as another outbreak of the virus has been reported on a Dutch-flagged cruise ship. An outbreak of hantavirus was reported Thursday with at least nine confirmed or suspected cases. According to the WHO, there are over 20 strains of hantaviruses, which are usually spread through contact with rodents or their urine, saliva or feces. However, the Andes strain, which was reported on a Dutch-flagged cruise ship, can spread between humans.
Three people have lost their lives so far. However, medical experts have clarified that there is no risk of a pandemic-level threat due to the low probability of human-to-human transmission.
Key things
- Norovirus spreads quickly in close quarters such as cruise ships, highlighting the importance of hygiene.
- The cruise company has implemented strict hygiene measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Passengers said they felt safe because of the timely information and precautions taken by the cruise line.
