Noroviruses on cruise ship Queen Mary 2?

More than 400 cruise passengers presumably suffer from norovirus infections

31.12.2012

Norovirus infections are apparently currently on the cruise ships „Queen Mary 2“ and „Emerald Princess“, which stayed over Christmas in the Caribbean, a massive problem. Numerous cruise travelers were diagnosed with gastrointestinal infection, reports the US Department of Health „Centers for Disease Control and Prevention“ (CDC). According to US media, the symptoms speak for a norovirus infection.

More than 400 people are suffering from a gastrointestinal infection on the two cruise ship. Although the US Agency for Disease Control did not give more precise information on the causes of the diseases on the „Queen Mary 2“ and the „Emerald Princess“, but quickly came the suspicion that it could be infections with norovirus. In order to prevent a further spread of the exciters on the cruise ships, comprehensive hygiene measures were carried out. In addition, additional medical staff and a medical officer on the „Queen Mary 2“ sent, reports the US Department of Health. Fecal samples were taken from the diseased passengers and crew and forwarded to the CDC for analysis.

Cruise companies report gastrointestinal diseases to the health department
Overall, according to the CDC suffered on the cruise ship „Queen Mary 2“ Of the 2,613 passengers 194, symptoms include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. The same applies to eleven of the 1,255 crew members. According to it, 7.4 per cent of the travelers and 0.9 per cent of the crew members were affected by an appropriate illness. The cruise company „Cunard Line“had to report the cases to the US Department of Health, as more than two percent of the people on board showed the symptoms. On the „Emerald Princess“ the cruise company „Princess Cruises“ Nearly six percent of passengers (189 out of 3,235 showed symptoms) and 2.6 percent of crew members (31 out of 1,189 suffered from gastrointestinal complaints) were affected. Again, therefore, a message to the health authority was required.

Norovirus probably causes trigger of gastrointestinal diseases
Although the cause of gastrointestinal diseases on cruise liners is unknown so far according to the CDC, the symptoms indicate that it is infected with norovirus. The high number of those affected suggests a spread of noroviruses. These can be transmitted, for example, via contaminated food but also via contact surfaces, such as door handles or railings. The pathogens are passed on by the fecal-oral route, that is excreted with vomit or stool and then taken in poor hygiene or close contact by the people. If many people live together in close quarters, such as in hospitals, nursing homes or on cruise ships, the transmission risk is particularly high. According to the CDC, Noroviruses were responsible for 13 other documented outbreaks of gastrointestinal diseases on cruise ships this year. Those affected suffer from symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, possibly accompanied by headache and body aches. Although the Norovirus infections are usually over after a relatively short time (about three days), but in immunocompromised individuals, the extreme fluid loss can assume life-threatening proportions. (Fp)