A Caribbean trip took a turn for the worse for many cruise passengers as a stomach virus swept through their vessel.
Almost 200 individuals on a Princess cruise ship reported illness due to norovirus during a recent journey, as stated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The agency indicated that 193 people became ill during the trip, comprising 141 passengers and 52 crew members.
The ship, named Star Princess, was completing a week-long Caribbean cruise that concluded on March 14, according to the CDC. Those affected experienced vomiting and diarrhea, common symptoms associated with norovirus.
In response, cruise operator Princess Cruises enhanced cleaning measures and isolated the sick individuals, as reported by the CDC.
The company conducted additional cleaning and disinfecting throughout the ship and ensured that sick passengers and crew members remained separated until they could disembark.
The staff also consulted CDC officials for advice on effective methods to manage the virus, known to spread swiftly in confined spaces like cruise ships.
The outbreak was reported to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program on Wednesday, which monitors health issues on cruise ships. Investigators subsequently boarded to assess the situation.
The 4,307-passenger ship returned to Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, as noted by cruise tracking website CruiseMapper. Later that same day, it departed again for a new cruise to Princess Cays in the Bahamas, according to NBC News.
Star Princess commenced its inaugural voyage from Europe in October, with an official christening the following month by actor Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila, who were named the ship’s godparents.
Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea outbreaks in the United States, according to the CDC.
The virus spreads easily through direct contact with infected individuals, contaminated food or drinks, or surfaces touched by someone who is ill.
Health officials recommend regular handwashing and surface disinfecting to prevent infection.