Cruise Ship Illness Outbreaks- Vomiting and diarrhea have caused over 200 people to go down their planned vacation. This has been the announcement of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after crew and passengers became sickened with suspected norovirus contamination.
Cruise Ship illness outbreaks had stricken two Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships, the Legend of the Seas cruise ship, and Celebrity Infinity where a total of more than 200 passengers were reported ill after exhibiting symptoms of norovirus, the known Cruise Ship illness epidemic.
According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, out of the 1,763 passengers of Royal Caribbean International's Legend of the Seas cruise ship, 114 felt ill and complained symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, the Sun Sentinel reports.
Celebrity Infinity cruise ship has reported 106 passengers sick out of the 2,100. They all displayed symptoms of suspected norovirus. The two ships both departed Port Everglades for 15-night cruises.
Celebrity Infinity docked on Monday at Port of San Diego while the Legend of the Seas was expected to arrive Tuesday. CDC officials are boarding the ships as soon as they arrive to inspect what caused Cruise Ship illness outbreaks in the two luxury vessels, the CBS News reports.
Samples will also be taken to determine if the Cruise Ship illness outbreaks have something to do with norovirus epidemic.
According to CDC, norovirus, the suspected cause of Cruise Ship illness outbreaks is the leading cause of gastrointestinal disease in the United States. It is a highly contagious disease that can be acquired through infected person, by touching contaminated surfaces or contaminated food or water.
Norovirus causes stomach or intestines or both to be swelled that become acute gastroenteritis. Symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting.
Upon examination, the CDC officials have concluded that the cause of the Cruise Ship illness outbreaks with Celebrity Infinity was norovirus. In the 15-day cruise that started on March 29, the passengers experienced the same symptoms of norovirus.
It was also reported that both of the luxury vessels are owned by Miami-based Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
A Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. spokesperson said in a statement that they had given over-the-counter medicines to the passengers affected while on-board and they all had responded well with the medications.
Despite Cruise Ship illness outbreaks, the crew members remained vigilant in administering preventive steps in arresting the spread of contamination. Crew members posted protocols and improved cleaning procedures by using more effective disinfectants to contain norovirus.
Up to this date, the CDC claims a total of five reported cases of Cruise Ship illness outbreaks this year linking contamination to norovirus.
CDC reports that in order to prevent Cruise Ship illness outbreaks, practicing proper hand hygiene is a must. Fruits and vegetables must be washed before consumption and seafood must be cooked well.
It is also important that when you are sick, do not prepare food or care for others who are sick to avoid spread of virus.
During Cruise Ship illness outbreaks, cleaning and disinfecting contaminated surfaces must be done properly. Washing clothes well is also an important step to eradicate Cruise Ship illness outbreaks.