More than 110 people fell ill in a norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess cruise ship, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Out of the 3,116 guests onboard, 102 cruise passengers and 13 crew members were affected. The guests and staff reported vomiting and diarrhea as the main symptoms.
The ship departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 28 for an almost two-week cruise. The stops planned included Aruba, Bonaire, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and more, with the trip ending in Port Canaveral, Florida, on May 11, according to CruiseMapper data.
The cruise line stated that they managed to disinfect the ship once they became aware of the outbreak, and that it will undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection upon arrival at the destination before its next voyage.
Indeed, norovirus cases have been increasing in the past couple of years. But what do we know about this virus, really?
Norovirus, often called a “stomach bug,” is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the US. The highly contagious stomach virus typically spreads more widely during colder months, with cases peaking between November and April.
For a closer look at what causes norovirus, as well as its symptoms and treatment options, click through for a detailed overview.