Over 130 sick passengers on a Royal Caribbean cruise, Norovirus In an uncontrollable outbreak of Norovirus. This unfortunate occurrence serves as an all too real reminder of the constant fight to provide a health safe experience in high dense environments. This outbreak affected a whopping 1,266 crew members, with seven staff members coming down with cases of Norovirus. The precise source of this outbreak has not yet been identified.
The CDC is right to be alarmed with what they just recently started to report as an alarming trend. So far this year, the total number of reported Norovirus outbreaks has already matched last year’s entire amount. Given how contagious this virus is, it spreads like wildfire. Importantly, it’s an intervention that works well in closed environments, such as cruise ships, where people are in close contact. It’s no wonder that earlier this year, nearly 250 passengers aboard the Queen Mary 2 came down with Norovirus. This incident reflects a growing reality in maritime health and safety.
Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, contributed to a column about Norovirus outbreaks. He chatted with CNN Travel about what these outbreaks mean. He went on to explain the reasons for the virus’s alarming rate of spread. He pointed out that vigilance is important for both passengers and aviators.
To combat the spread of Norovirus, Dr. Wen emphasized the importance of thorough hand washing as a critical preventive measure. We applaud the Royal Caribbean Group for their proactive response to this outbreak. They have adopted strict sanitizing protocols, exceeding state and federal public health recommendations. A spokesperson for the company stated, “The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority.”
Beyond a fleet-wide of cleaning protocols and standards, Royal Caribbean wants to offer reassurances of a healthy and safe environment in an ongoing manner. The spokesperson further added, “To maintain an environment that supports the highest levels of health and safety onboard our ships, we implement rigorous cleaning procedures, many of which far exceed public health guidelines.”
The cruise industry continues to struggle with Norovirus outbreaks. Public health experts are calling on travelers, including passengers on cruise ships, to avoid nonessential travel and practice aggressive hygiene measures. With the ongoing presence of this virus, ensuring health safety onboard remains a priority for both cruise lines and travelers.
