The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating two seemingly separate norovirus outbreaks linked to U.S. cruise ships.
The cases have been linked to Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess and Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas.
The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) is tracking a “highly contagious” outbreak after reports of passengers in distress.
Approximately 67 of the 1,993 passengers aboard the Radiance of the Seas reported feeling ill during its April 8-22 voyage from Tampa to Los Angeles. Two crew members also reported feeling unwell.
The main symptoms reported by people infected with norovirus were diarrhea and vomiting.
About 94 of the 2,532 passengers on board the Sapphire Princess reported similar symptoms during its voyage from Los Angeles to the South Pacific, which began on April 5 and is scheduled to end on May 7.
A further 20 of the 1,066 crew members also reported symptoms.
Fox Business reached out to Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International for comment on the situation, but did not receive a response.
“Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can become infected and sick with norovirus,” the CDC says on its website. “Norovirus is sometimes called the ‘stomach flu’ or ‘stomach bug.’ However, norovirus infections are not related to influenza, which is caused by the influenza virus. ”
One of the biggest health risks posed by norovirus infection is dehydration. The CDC recommends that infected people drink plenty of fluids to aid recovery.
The CDC’s Ship Hygiene Program requires cruise lines to report and document cases of illness onboard their ships to facilitate a coordinated response in emergencies.
