Over 100 passengers and crew members aboard the AIDAdiva cruise ship have reported illness due to a norovirus outbreak. The ship, part of the German cruise line AIDA, is on a four-month journey, having departed from Hamburg on November 10. The outbreak was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after the ship docked in several U.S. cities, including Boston and Miami.
In response to the outbreak, crew members activated infection control measures, which involved rigorous cleaning, isolating affected individuals, and collecting stool samples for testing. According to the CDC, 95 passengers and six crew members experienced symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. AIDA Cruises reported that the implementation of enhanced hygiene protocols has led to a decline in reported cases.
This incident follows a recent norovirus outbreak on the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Serenade of the Seas, which affected over 90 passengers. The CDC has noted a total of 21 confirmed gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships this year, with a significant portion attributed to norovirus. The agency indicated that while the number of outbreaks has increased compared to pre-pandemic years, it remains unclear if this trend will continue.
Norovirus, often referred to as the winter vomiting bug, typically resolves within two days. The NHS advises individuals to stay hydrated and rest, while AIDA Cruises emphasized that seasonal illness peaks from November to April, mirroring patterns seen on land.
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