Millions of people take cruise ships on vacation. But when it comes to the health of these travelers, it’s not always easy to navigate. In the United States, there have been 13 outbreaks of norovirus on cruise ships this year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is the highest number of norovirus outbreaks on cruises recorded since 2012, with nearly half of the year missing.
The most recent norovirus outbreak occurred on a Viking Cruises voyage from Iceland that docked in New York City on June 20. Around 13% of passengers and several crew members fell ill on board.
“We believe the gastrointestinal illness originated from a seaside restaurant in Iceland where a group of guests dined during their free time,” a Viking representative said.
Norovirus is a highly infectious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines, a condition called acute gastroenteritis. Often labeled an “upset stomach,” norovirus is the most common cause of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain, according to the CDC.
A person can get norovirus by accidentally ingesting microscopic particles from feces or vomit – which can happen by coming into contact with someone who is infected, consuming contaminated food or water, or touching contaminated surfaces. While symptoms usually only last a few days, a person can be infectious two weeks later.
Although there is no medicine to treat the condition, most people recover fully without treatment. Hydration therapy to replace fluids lost through vomiting or diarrhea is standard practice to treat symptoms.
Still, to prevent the spread of norovirus, experts recommend that cruise passengers take extra precautions and wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Antiseptic gels and hand sanitizers are not effective against the virus.
The exact cause of this year’s surge in cruise cases is still unclear, but experts believe that rising demand for cruises and record passenger numbers could be behind it.
31.5 million passengers worldwide are expected to set sail this year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and creating broadcast-ready high-density environments.
