A Norovirus outbreak has forced more than 100 passengers to confine themselves in their cabins on a 133 day luxury cruise

A norovirus outbreak is affecting the German cruise ship AIDAdiva. 95 passengers and six crew members have reported symptoms of this highly contagious illness. First reported to the health authorities on Nov 30, this is now the eighth day that there has been an active infection aboard as of Dec 7, ruining many a vacation of a life time.

AIDA Cruises is the operator of this ship. The vessel carries approximately 2,007 guests and 640 members of crew. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)The number of infected passengers is less than 6%.

Symptoms and immediate response – It’s not pleasant

Passengers and crew affected by classic norovirus (known as the “vomiting bug“) symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and muscle weakness. All confirmed cases and suspected ones have been isolated within their cabins according to CDC protocol. Cleaning and disinfection have been intensified throughout the ship. Special attention has been paid to surfaces that are likely to be touched, such as railings and door handles.

The CDC Vessel Sanitation Program, or VSP, is actively monitoring this situation and confirms that the ship has followed the required outbreak-management procedures.

What was the source? The cruise itinerary and the timing of the outbreak

It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. AIDAdivaThe ship, known for its smiley-face paint job, left Hamburg, Germany on November 10 for a 133 day round-the world voyage that is scheduled to end on March 23, 2019. The lengthy itinerary includes stops throughout Europe, North America and Latin America as well as Asia, Africa and Africa.

The outbreak was discovered after the ship visited several US portsThe ship made its first Caribbean stop in Cozumel Mexico. Next up are destinations such as Guatemala and Costa Rica. Later, the vessel will transit across the Pacific, to Japan and South Korea. Thailand, Sri Lanka and South Africa follow. Check the current location of the ship vesselfinder.com.

Expert context on cruise ship outbreaks

Health experts Norovirus is easily spread in high-density, confined environments such as cruise ships. In close quarters the norovirus cannot escape. Everything is concentrated. Michael ZimringThe director of the Center for Wilderness and Travel Medicine in Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore.

It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. CDC has recorded 21 gastrointestinal illness outbreaks Norovirus is expected to continue a trend that has been observed in the past few years. Authorities have observed a dominant norovirus strain that is circulating this season on land, and which cruise ships usually mirror.

What’s next?

AIDAdiva continues its itinerary despite the outbreak with stricter health protocols. The first leg will end on 16 December, and the world cruise is expected to finish in Hamburg late in March.

Health officials Cruise lines and cruise operators emphasize that although unpleasant, norovirus outbreaks occur on cruise ships quite often and are usually self-limiting. The majority of people recover in 1 to 3 day. Ship operators, international health authorities and authorities in upcoming ports are closely monitoring the situation.