Source: Fox News
Summary
A norovirus outbreak on the Caribbean Princess cruise ship affected 102 passengers and 13 crew members, according to a CDC report. The outbreak was reported on May 7, and the ship underwent comprehensive cleaning and disinfection. The CDC is conducting an investigation to help control the spread of the illness. Norovirus is a common cause of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships, with millions of cases reported each year in the US.
Our Reading
The advice sounds familiar. Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships are not uncommon, and the CDC’s response is standard protocol. The reported cases on the Caribbean Princess just exceeded the CDC’s 3% threshold used to define an outbreak. The ship’s sanitation protocols and isolation of sick individuals are aimed at limiting transmission. The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program is conducting an environmental assessment and outbreak investigation.
It’s a reminder that norovirus can spread quickly in close quarters, and cruise lines must balance the need for sanitation with the desire to minimize disruption to passengers.
Author: Evan Null
