Another cruise ship has been struck by a viral outbreak, with more than 100 passengers falling ill due to a highly contagious sickness bug. The Caribbean Princess, currently en route to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, is experiencing a severe norovirus outbreak that has affected 102 passengers and 13 crew members. The virus can cause violent symptoms, including rib-cracking episodes.
Outbreak Details
The ship, carrying 3,116 passengers and 1,131 crew members, has implemented enhanced sanitation measures. Affected individuals are being isolated, and testing is underway. Princess Cruises has confirmed that all areas of the vessel have been sanitised, with extensive cleaning planned upon arrival in Port Canaveral on May 11.
The cruise departed on April 28, and the outbreak was reported to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on May 7. The CDC noted that predominant symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting. Crew members have increased cleaning and disinfection efforts, collected samples for testing, and isolated ill passengers and crew.
Norovirus in the US
Norovirus causes approximately 21 million illnesses annually in the United States. The virus spreads through contaminated surfaces, infected food, and faecal matter. This outbreak marks the fourth gastrointestinal virus outbreak on a US ship this year, according to the CDC.
Hantavirus Concerns on Another Cruise
Meanwhile, authorities in Tenerife are preparing for the arrival of the MV Hondius, a cruise ship affected by hantavirus. British passengers who test negative will be allowed to board a repatriation flight, with a 45-day isolation period required upon arrival in the UK. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated that human-to-human transmission is possible through close contact. Nine cases of hantavirus have been linked to the MV Hondius, including two British men.
UKHSA officials will support disembarking British nationals, escorting asymptomatic passengers to the airport for free passage back to the UK. Strict infection control measures will be in place during the flight, with public health specialists monitoring passengers.
