The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an illness outbreak aboard the Princess Cruises vessel, the Ruby Princess, following a 20-day voyage from San Francisco to Canada and Alaska. According to the CDC, the incident involved 102 passengers and 23 crew members who became ill. The cruise ship departed on June 12, and the CDC was notified of the cluster of infections last Saturday.
Officials noted that the onset of illness among the passengers and crew was staggered and did not occur simultaneously upon arrival or departure from port. The voyage carried a total complement of 3,032 passengers and 1,144 crew members. In response to the situation, Princess Cruises stated that crew members immediately implemented enhanced hygiene and sanitation protocols across the ship.
Furthermore, the vessel underwent a comprehensive cleaning and disinfection process before its subsequent departure. The reported illness is linked to norovirus, a common virus responsible for gastroenteritis, often referred to as stomach flu. This virus is known to cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea and can be transmitted through contaminated surfaces, food, or water.
The CDC continues to monitor the situation regarding the number of infected individuals. The incident highlights the measures taken by the cruise line to manage sanitation risks after a significant number of people were identified as infected during the cruise.
Topics: #infected #ship #princess
