More than 100 people aboard a high-end 20-day Alaska cruise became ill with vomiting and diarrhea after a norovirus outbreak swept through the vessel. The Princess Cruises ship arrived in San Francisco on Thursday with 102 passengers and 23 crew members affected by the severe gastrointestinal virus, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Norovirus, often called the “stomach flu,” is an extremely contagious illness that triggers stomach and intestinal symptoms. It can spread through close contact with an infected person, by touching contaminated surfaces, or by consuming food or drinks exposed to the virus. People who have been infected may continue shedding norovirus for two weeks or longer after their symptoms have eased.
For cruise travelers, the fast-spreading virus can be especially disruptive, as passengers may be stuck at sea for days in close quarters. The latest outbreak took place aboard the Ruby Princess and was first reported on June 28, the CDC said. Slightly more than three percent of passengers became sick, along with roughly two percent of the crew. The extended voyage left San Francisco on June 12, made stops in Canada and Alaska, and returned to California this week.
Crew boosts cleaning to curb outbreak
In response, Princess Cruises told health officials that crew members stepped up cleaning and disinfection efforts and collected stool samples from sick individuals for laboratory testing, according to the CDC. Those who became ill were separated from others on board, while ship personnel worked with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program to help control the spread. “Our crew responded promptly by implementing enhanced sanitation protocols across the ship, and cases have since decreased and remain low,” the company said in a statement. Princess also said the Ruby Princess was receiving “comprehensive cleaning and disinfection” before welcoming passengers for its next sailing.
Multiple cruise ships face outbreak surge
The CDC has documented seven cruise ship outbreaks so far this year, with Princess Cruises linked to three of them. The company previously reported norovirus outbreaks aboard the Star Princess and the Caribbean Princess, including one during a mid-March sailing and another between April 28 and May 11. Lindblad Expeditions has also recorded two norovirus outbreaks this year on its National Geographic Sea Bird vessel.
Two E. coli outbreaks have also been reported on cruise ships this year. The first occurred aboard a Regent Seven Seas vessel in January, while the second was reported on an Oceania Cruises ship in April. The Daily Mail has contacted Princess Cruises seeking further comment.
