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In light of these recent developments, it’s imperative to explore and understand the nature of Norovirus — what it is, why it’s a recurring issue aboard cruise ships, and its impact on the cruise industry. This article aims to shed light on these matters, unpacking the complexities of the problem, and highlighting the steps that are being taken to address it. Norovirus is often referred to as a "stomach bug" or "stomach flu" (although it is not a form of flu). It causes a variety of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.
Using a Smartphone to Detect Norovirus (Winter Vomiting Bug)
Ungerleider says those high-risk travelers may want to consider rebooking their trip for the peace of mind alone. Psychology Today, a Substack entitled "Minded by Science" and have written articles for The New York Times, Time, The Guardian, The HuffPost, STAT, the MIT Technology Review and others. Follow me on Twitter (@bruce_y_lee) but don’t ask me if I know martial arts. For example, should someone tell you, “I am having some explosive diarrhea, but should still be able to dance with you,” tell them that “explosive diarrhea” is not something that you want to dance around.
Nearly 30 Silverseas cruise passengers fall ill with diarrhea at sea - New York Post
Nearly 30 Silverseas cruise passengers fall ill with diarrhea at sea.
Posted: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 23:44:00 GMT [source]
Outbreaks 2018 reports
Some of the world's most famous passenger ships are listed in the virus outbreak statistics, yet one hears so little of it in mass media news. And there is no surprise in that since the "cruise illness" news are nothing but bad publicity for the companies - which is bad for a prosperous multi-billion dollar sea travel vacation business. All major cruise line companies will do their best to keep quiet about virus outbreaks on their ships.
More than 100 Viking cruise passengers get sick in norovirus outbreak
It operates hospital ships since 1978 and also has currently the world's largest hospital ship (excluding navy vessels) - MV Africa Mercy. On most vessels, the medical facilities are located midship on a lower deck (for easier access and better stability) and usually among other crew facilities. Every passenger stateroom has the Infirmary's number - posted or by the cabin's phone.
Four MSC Ships Will Cruise from North America next Summer
Norovirus cases aboard cruise ships were on a steady decline between 2006 and 2019, according to CDC data. When the Covid pandemic hit, the CDC made a travel health notice advising against cruise ship travel. Because of this, there were no norovirus outbreaks in 2020 and 2021.
Seasickness on cruise ships
Symptoms may include diarrhea and vomiting, as well as abdominal cramping, headaches, muscle aches and fever — an unpleasant experience any time but especially when you're on vacation. The CDC has logged 13 outbreaks on cruise ships that met its threshold for public notification so far this year, more than any year between 2017 and 2019. The design and operation of cruise ships often involve large groups of people living in close proximity, sharing dining areas, entertainment spaces, and public restrooms.
Outbreaks 2012 reports
Cruise ship barred from docking amid outbreak of stomach illness - NBC News
Cruise ship barred from docking amid outbreak of stomach illness.
Posted: Mon, 26 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
To quell the spread of the stomach bug, Silversea Cruises reportedly quarantined its impacted passengers and crew member and “increased cleaning and disinfection procedures,” the CDC said. The cause of the outbreak — which has impacted roughly 5% of the ship’s passenger population — is still unknown, but the CDC notes that norovirus outbreaks are primarily caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. The CDC's latest report of a norovirus outbreak happened on Viking Neptune, a cruise ship owned by Switzerland-based Viking Cruises, during a voyage from June 6 to June 20. This presents an opportunity for the virus to spread if food or water becomes contaminated, either by an infected person or through improper handling and storage.
It is important to continue washing your hands often even after you feel better. It is important to note that antibiotic drugs will not help treat norovirus infections because they fight bacteria, not viruses. There is no specific medicine to treat people with norovirus illness. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. According to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 13 outbreaks across six different cruise lines.
How does norovirus spread on cruise ships?
People infected with the virus may also have headaches, fevers and body aches, and are at risk of dehydration. Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread directly through sick people and contaminated surfaces, food, or drinks. Shipboard hospitals as facilities and equipment vary by cruise line and vessel.
The bug thrives in crowded conditions and is spread through food and by touching contaminated surfaces. The easiest way to avoid the ailment is to wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, before eating and after touching surfaces touched by others. There have been 13 norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships since the start of the year, the most outbreaks the U.S. has witnessed since 2012, and more than there were in all of 2022. Royal Caribbean International's 'Oasis of the Seas' cruise ship is seen at Port Canaveral, Florida ...
So keep your hands clean, keep your mind clear, always hope for the best. Bad, if meant to happen, will happen anyway, and nothing can change it. The cruise terminal and the near area were thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. The ship includes multiple kitchens, grills and even an interactive space where guests can cook with Compton.
For the past few years, people have not been exposed to as many common viruses and illnesses and now that exposure is rising, illnesses are bound to rise as well. According to the CDC, norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States. The sick guests “experienced mild symptoms of a stomach-related illness,” Norwegian Cruise Line said in a statement Sunday. "The decision not to allow the cruise ship access to the quay was taken in order to avoid any health risks," the authority said in a statement. Studies have shown that norovirus can continue to spread for two weeks or more after an infected person stops having symptoms of the illness, according to the CDC.
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