Norovirus Cases Rise Across the United States
There’s been a notable increase in norovirus cases as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recently confirmed an outbreak aboard a cruise ship.
The AIDAdiva, operated by AIDA Cruises, has seen close to 100 passengers affected during its journey from November 10 to December 16. This outbreak was officially reported to the CDC on November 30, according to their records.
The ship was on route from Hamburg, Germany, visiting several destinations including the United Kingdom, the United States, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Data from the CDC shows that 95 passengers and six crew members reported symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Overall, the vessel had more than 2,000 passengers and about 640 crew members on board during this trip.
In light of the outbreak, AIDA Cruises has intensified its cleaning and sanitation measures on the ship. They also isolated individuals who were unwell and collected samples for testing.
An AIDA representative mentioned, “Seasonal illnesses peak from November to April, and the report from the AIDAdiva reflects what we observe on land.” The spokesperson went on to say they’ve implemented extra hygiene protocols and noted that the number of cases is already decreasing.
The cruise line sought guidance from CDC Ship Hygiene Program officials regarding cleanliness and case monitoring procedures.
Dr. Scott Weisenberg, the director of the NYU Langone Infectious Disease Institute, previously pointed out that norovirus spreads rapidly in crowded places like cruise ships. “If you’re experiencing severe vomiting, it’s best to steer clear of public spaces because the virus can be airborne, even without direct contact,” he advised.
Weisenberg highlighted that maintaining good hygiene is crucial in preventing the virus’s spread. Contaminated surfaces pose a risk to anyone who touches them. Interestingly, handwashing with soap and water is considered more effective than using alcohol-based sanitizers.
This incident adds to a concerning trend, as the CDC reports a total of 21 norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships this year.
