Norovirus Outbreak Affects Nearly 100 Aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise
Royal Caribbean Cruise Faces Norovirus Outbreak as It Nears Miami
Norovirus Outbreak Strikes Serenade of the Seas
Nearly 100 individuals aboard the Royal Caribbean International ship, Serenade of the Seas, have reportedly been affected by a norovirus outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disclosed that the illness hit while the cruise was on its 13-day journey, nearing its final stop in Miami.
CDC Reports on Norovirus Aboard
The outbreak was officially reported to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program on Sunday, as the vessel sailed from San Diego, departing on September 19. By Wednesday, the CDC confirmed that 94 out of 1,874 passengers, along with 4 out of 883 crew members, reported symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Measures Taken to Control the Outbreak
In an effort to manage the situation, the crew intensified cleaning and disinfection protocols. Stool samples from affected passengers have been collected for further testing, while sick passengers and crew members were isolated. “The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority,” stated Royal Caribbean Group.
Understanding Norovirus Symptoms and Transmission
Norovirus is a highly contagious illness that manifests within 12 to 48 hours of exposure, often leading to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. It can spread swiftly in close quarters, such as cruise ships, through contaminated surfaces, food, and liquids, as well as shared meals or utensils.
Gastrointestinal Illnesses on Cruise Ships
According to the CDC, there have been 19 gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships this year alone, with norovirus responsible for 14 of these incidents. The agency emphasizes that such illnesses can rapidly spread in enclosed settings, making it crucial to adhere to stringent health protocols.
Emegypt will continue to monitor the situation closely as the Serenade of the Seas approaches Miami, ensuring that all safety measures are upheld to protect passengers and crew alike.
