Norovirus Outbreak on Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess Affects Passengers and Crew

A recent outbreak of Norovirus on Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess affected dozens of passengers and crew during a month-long journey from Singapore to Los Angeles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the outbreak, with 55 passengers and 15 crew members reporting symptoms of the illness. Norovirus is characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, and cruise ships are required to report gastrointestinal illnesses to the CDC.

In response to the outbreak, Princess Cruises implemented increased cleaning and disinfection procedures on the Coral Princess. Stool specimens were collected from affected individuals for testing, and the ship made eight stops in Asia before reaching Hawaii. Carnival Corporation & plc, the parent company of Princess Cruises, did not immediately respond to inquiries about the outbreak. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastrointestinal symptoms and is not related to the flu, according to the CDC.

Those infected with Norovirus are at risk of dehydration, and the CDC recommends that individuals with the virus stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. The outbreak highlights the importance of maintaining strict sanitation measures on cruise ships to prevent the spread of illnesses like Norovirus. Passengers and crew members who become ill with Norovirus should seek medical attention and follow guidelines for recovery to prevent dehydration and other complications.

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