An outbreak of the highly contagious norovirus has sickened more than 100 passengers and 10 crew members on a cruise ship sailing in the Caribbean.
Koen Van De Sype
Journalist at HLN
The news was announced by the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is responsible for public health in the US.
The ship – the Caribbean Princess – left Fort Lauderdale, Florida on April 28 and is currently en route to the Bahamas. The thirteen-day trip ends on Monday. The ship must then arrive in Port Canaveral near Orlando, also in Florida.
What is a norovirus?
According to the Sciensano health institute, a norovirus is a virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting. It is highly contagious and the leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide. It is found in stool and vomit and can be transmitted from person to person.
The symptoms appear 24 to 48 hours after infection with the virus and disappear spontaneously after a few days.
According to a report from the CDC, the outbreak began on Thursday. 102 of the 3,116 passengers turned out to be infected, as well as 13 of the 1,131 crew members. They suffered from vomiting and diarrhea and were immediately isolated. Cleaning and disinfection procedures were also immediately stepped up.
Norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships, especially those of large cruise lines.
