More than 100 individuals aboard a cruise ship have fallen ill with norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug known to cause severe vomiting that can even lead to cracked ribs. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on Thursday that 102 passengers and 13 crew members have been affected on the Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess vessel.
Details of the Outbreak
The ship embarked on its journey on April 28 and is currently navigating the northwest Atlantic Ocean, heading toward Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. It is scheduled to arrive at Port Canaveral, Florida, on May 11. The vessel carries a total of 3,116 passengers and 1,131 crew members.
The outbreak was reported to the CDC on May 7, with predominant symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting. In response, Princess Cruises and the crew have intensified cleaning and disinfection procedures, collected stool specimens from affected passengers for testing, isolated sick individuals, and consulted with the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program.
Company Response
Princess Cruises issued a statement saying: "We quickly disinfected every area of the ship and added extra sanitizing throughout the voyage. Upon arrival to Port Canaveral on May 11, Caribbean Princess will undergo comprehensive cleaning and disinfection before departing for her next voyage."
This marks the fourth gastrointestinal illness outbreak on a U.S. cruise ship this year, according to the CDC. Earlier outbreaks in January and February were linked to E. coli; a March outbreak was also norovirus; and another in April was again E. coli.
Norovirus Impact and Prevention
Norovirus infects approximately 21 million Americans annually, leading to around 2 million doctor visits or urgent care consultations. It causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, which can result in life-threatening dehydration. The virus spreads through contact with an infected person's vomit or feces, contaminated food, shared utensils, or contaminated surfaces.
While most individuals recover within a few days, norovirus kills about 900 people each year, primarily adults aged 65 and older. Outbreaks are most common in winter due to increased indoor gatherings and travel, but they also occur frequently in crowded communal settings such as cruise ships.
Symptoms and Risks
Symptoms of norovirus, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, appear suddenly within 12 to 48 hours of exposure. Dehydration is a major concern, as frequent vomiting and diarrhea can rapidly deplete the body's fluids and electrolytes, leading to dangerously low blood pressure, reduced blood flow to vital organs, and electrolyte imbalances that may harm the heart and muscles. In severe cases, electrolyte imbalances can cause seizures and loss of consciousness.
Health experts emphasize that hand sanitizers alone are insufficient to kill norovirus particles on the skin, underscoring the importance of frequent handwashing with soap and water.
