A norovirus outbreak aboard the luxury cruise liner Queen Mary 2 has left over 200 passengers and crew members ill, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The vessel, operated by Cunard Lines, is currently en route from England to the Eastern Caribbean, as reported by The New York Times.
Over 240 infected as outbreak spreads
The CDC confirmed that 224 passengers and 17 crew members have contracted the highly contagious virus. The outbreak was first reported on March 18, when the ship made a scheduled stop in New York.
In response, Cunard issued a statement on Tuesday, April 1, assuring that immediate sanitation measures had been implemented. “Thanks to the swift response from our crew and the additional measures that we have in place, we are already seeing a reduction in reported cases,” the statement read.
To contain the virus, the cruise line isolated infected individuals and intensified disinfection protocols across the ship.
Before reaching its final destination of Southampton, the Queen Mary 2 visited several locations, including New York, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, Dominica, St. Kitts, and Tortola.
Understanding norovirus: Symptoms, treatment, and prevention
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), norovirus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Symptoms include sudden-onset diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, low-grade fever, headaches, and body aches. While the virus is typically mild in healthy individuals, it can cause severe illness in young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
Symptoms typically appear within 12 to 48 hours of exposure and last between one to three days. Maintaining hydration and rest are crucial for recovery. Medical attention is advised if symptoms persist or worsen.
Prevention
To minimize the risk of norovirus, health experts recommend the following precautions:
- Hand hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, or before handling food. Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol can be used when soap and water are unavailable.
- Food safety: Properly wash fruits and vegetables, cook shellfish thoroughly, and avoid food preparation if symptoms are experienced.
- Isolation: Those infected should stay home from work, school, or public gatherings for at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve.
- Proper sanitation: Use disposable gloves and disinfectants to clean areas affected by vomit or diarrhea, and wash hands thoroughly afterward.
As the Queen Mary 2 continues its journey, authorities and the ship’s management remain on high alert, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew while working to prevent further spread of the virus.