A norovirus outbreak on the Caribbean Princess cruise ship has affected over 100 people, including 102 passengers and 13 crew members, with symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. The outbreak was reported during the ship’s voyage from April 28 to May 11. The ship, carrying 3,116 passengers and 1,131 crew members, is currently en route to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and will arrive at Port Canaveral, Florida, on May 11. In response, the crew has intensified cleaning efforts, isolated sick individuals, and collected samples for testing. Princess Cruises confirmed the outbreak and stated that the ship will undergo thorough cleaning upon arrival. This incident marks the fourth gastrointestinal illness outbreak on a cruise ship this year. Norovirus is common on ships and unrelated to the hantavirus outbreak on another vessel.
QUESTION: How might frequent outbreaks of illnesses like norovirus on cruise ships impact people’s willingness to travel on them in the future?
115 people sickened in norovirus outbreak on cruise ship: CDC
