A series of norovirus outbreaks has hit cruise ships recently, including the Queen Mary 2, where over 300 passengers and dozens of crew members have fallen ill.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation in the stomach or intestines, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and more. It can spread through direct person-to-person contact and contaminated food, drinks, and surfaces.
According to Dr. Dean Winslow, a professor of medicine and pediatrics at Stanford Medicine, norovirus outbreaks are more prevalent now than during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased public travel and cruise activities. In recent months, there has been a surge in reported outbreaks, with 495 cases recorded between August and December last year.
To protect themselves, passengers can take steps like frequent hand-washing with soap and water before meals, using hot water when doing laundry, and disinfecting contaminated surfaces. Hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus, and cruise lines have strict cleaning and sanitation practices in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
If symptoms appear, reporting them to onboard medical personnel is crucial to curb the spread. While there’s no specific medication for treating norovirus, staying hydrated by drinking fluids can help prevent dehydration.
Cruise passengers should also be aware that norovirus outbreaks are not unique to cruise ships, and other settings like universities, nursing homes, and hospitals can also be affected. However, cruise lines have implemented measures to minimize the risk of transmission, including deploying crew members with hand sanitizer to guests’ hands before entering dining areas.
Overall, being informed about the risks and taking preventive measures can help passengers reduce their chances of getting infected with norovirus on a cruise ship.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2025/01/01/cruise-ship-norovirus-outbreaks/77234462007