The Norovirus, a highly contagious gastrointestinal virus, is causing disruptions for American travelers as it reaches its highest numbers in a decade. In 2021, there were only four outbreaks of the virus despite peak travel times after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this year has already seen 13 reported outbreaks on cruise ships, marking the highest number in a single year since 2012.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been monitoring the situation closely. According to their reports, Norovirus is a highly infectious virus that causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. It is often referred to as a “stomach bug.”
The most recent outbreak occurred on the Viking Cruises Viking Neptune ship, where over 100 passengers fell ill, accounting for 13.1% of all vacationers on the ship. Viking Cruises believes that the outbreak originated from a shoreside restaurant in Iceland where some guests had dined during their free time.
Other cruise lines, including Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and P&O Cruises, have also been affected by Norovirus outbreaks. Across the 13 outbreaks on U.S. docked cruises, almost 1,700 passengers and over 240 crew members reported being ill during their voyages.
It’s important to note that the visibility and reporting to health authorities are improved on cruise ships, thanks to the mandatory reporting of illnesses to the CDC. This does not necessarily mean that the incidence rate onboard is higher compared to other locations. The Cruise Lines International Association emphasized this point in a statement to the Wall Street Journal.
To prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus, the CDC recommends practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly, disinfecting surfaces with bleach, cooking food safely, and washing laundry in hot water.
In conclusion, the increase in Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships is a cause for concern among American travelers. However, with proper precautions and attention to hygiene, the spread of this highly contagious virus can be minimized.
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