Norovirus outbreak hits cruise ship in US; over 120 passengers and crew affected

More than 120 passengers and crew members aboard a Princess Cruises ship were infected with norovirus (stomach flu) during a 20-day voyage to Alaska and Canada before the vessel returned to San Francisco, according to US health officials. The outbreak affected 102 passengers and 23 crew members on the Ruby Princess, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.

The Ruby Princess departed San Francisco on June 12 for a round-trip voyage that included stops in Alaska and the Canadian province of British Columbia. The ship returned to San Francisco on Thursday, where it was scheduled to undergo extensive cleaning and disinfection before its next sailing, The Associated Press reported.

According to the CDC, the ship was carrying 3,032 passengers and 1,144 crew members. The agency said the Norovirus cases were reported throughout the voyage and that not all infected individuals were sick at the same time or when the ship arrived at or departed from port.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that commonly causes vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea and stomach pain. According to the CDC, symptoms typically appear within 12 to 48 hours of exposure and usually last for one to three days. While most people recover without complications, the illness can pose greater risks for young children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions.

The outbreak was reported to the CDC during the voyage, prompting Princess Cruises to implement enhanced sanitation measures. The cruise operator said crew members increased cleaning and disinfection across the vessel, isolated ill passengers and staff, collected samples for testing and coordinated with federal health authorities.

Princess Cruises said the ship arrived in San Francisco as scheduled and would undergo comprehensive sanitation procedures before departing on its next trip, The Associated Press reported.

Health officials say norovirus spreads easily through contaminated food, water, surfaces or direct contact with infected individuals, particularly in crowded settings such as cruise ships. The CDC recommends frequent handwashing with soap and water, noting that hand sanitisers alone are not as effective against the virus.

The Ruby Princess outbreak is one of seven gastrointestinal illness outbreaks reported this year on cruise ships under the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Programme. According to the agency, most of the outbreaks have been linked to norovirus.

The CDC said it continues to monitor the ship's response remotely while reviewing information provided by Princess Cruises and onboard medical teams.

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