About 115 people reported getting sick during the cruise, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
WASHINGTON — An outbreak of norovirus believed to have sickened more than 100 passengers on a cruise ship last week.
The Caribbean Princess embarked on a nearly two-week voyage from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 28, visiting multiple island destinations in the Caribbean, and was scheduled to return to port on Monday.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, It was reported that 102 passengers and 13 crew members became ill during the voyage, with the main symptoms being vomiting and diarrhea.
The norovirus outbreak was reported to health officials Thursday.
In response to the outbreak, passengers and crew members who reported illness have been quarantined and enhanced hygiene measures have been initiated.
Norovirus is a gastrointestinal illness commonly known as the stomach flu or stomach bug. It is highly contagious and usually lasts about one to three days.
Infected people usually develop symptoms about 12 to 48 hours after exposure.
Frequent hand washing, disinfecting contaminated surfaces, and isolating until symptoms stop are among the best ways to stop the spread of the disease.
According to the CDC, Traveling on a cruise ship exposes people to new environments and large crowds, which may increase the risk of illness from contaminated food or drink or person-to-person contact.
This is the fourth gastrointestinal illness outbreak on a cruise ship so far this year.
These include an outbreak of the deadly hantavirus on the MV Hondius. Three people died and at least five became ill on the cruise ship. The ship is due to arrive in Spain over the weekend, where World Health Organization leaders will help evacuate the remaining passengers and crew on board.
