A Caribbean cruise has turned rough for more than 100 people dealing with a norovirus outbreak on board. The CDC says 102 passengers and 13 crew members on the Caribbean Princess reported gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea, during the current April 28-May 11 sailing, reports ABC News. The ship, carrying 3,116 passengers and 1,131 crew, is currently in the northwest Atlantic en route to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and is due to arrive at Port Canaveral, Florida, on Monday.
Princess Cruises said in a statement that a "limited number" of guests reported mild stomach illness and that the crew "quickly disinfected every area of the ship" and increased sanitizing measures. The CDC says the ship has stepped up its cleaning protocols, isolated sick individuals, and collected stool samples for testing.
Health officials note the incident is unrelated to the separate hantavirus situation aboard the MV Hondius and say this marks the fourth gastrointestinal outbreak on a cruise ship reported to the CDC so far this year. Per the AP, cruise lines are especially prone to such contagious illnesses due to their tight quarters. The New York Times notes that norovirus—which can spread via tainted food, water, and surfaces—is the most common cause of diarrhea-tied sicknesses on cruises, per the CDC. The cruise line says the Caribbean Princess will undergo a full cleaning and disinfection in Port Canaveral before its next voyage, per ABC.
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