Norovirus on cruise ships in 2023 led to outbreaks affecting 31 million people globally, a 13% increase from previous years. Viking Cruises, among other cruise lines, faced significant challenges as pandemic restrictions eased.
Sanjiv Shah, Chief Medical Officer at MetroPlusHealth in New York City and an infectious disease specialist noted that the ship environments are particularly conducive to the spread of viruses like norovirus due to the dense population of passengers and crew members on board.
This situation has highlighted the need for continued vigilance and enhanced health protocols on cruise ships, especially as children and the elderly remain particularly vulnerable to such illnesses. In this article, we will discuss more about Norovirus on Cruise Ships.
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a germ that can make you feel really sick with tummy pain, feeling like you need to throw up, diarrhea, and a fever.
Experts like Bernadette Boden Albala and Brian Labus say it spreads easily, especially where lots of people are close together, like on cruise ships. They remind everyone to wash their hands often to help stop the virus from spreading.
Why have Norovirus Outbreaks Increased?
Lately, there have been more sickness outbreaks, including Norovirus, on cruise ships. Sally Andrews explains that after people started traveling more, the sickness spread more, too.
Places like cruise ships where lots of people gather can be easy spots for germs, like Norovirus, to spread, especially if everyone isn’t careful.
Why is Norovirus Common on Cruise Ships?
Norovirus is common on cruise ships due to the close quarters and frequent interaction among passengers. These ships provide the perfect environment for the virus to spread quickly from person to person or through contaminated surfaces.
Regular activities like dining in shared spaces and touching common surfaces like handrails and elevator buttons increase the risk of transmission.
Despite rigorous cleaning protocols, the high density of people in a confined space makes it challenging to prevent the outbreak of norovirus on cruise ships completely.
Where Norovirus Spreads Fast?
Norovirus spreads super fast in places where lots of people meet, like schools, cruise ships, and weddings. Minji Kang, a germ expert, says these are perfect spots for the virus because people are close together. It’s important to be careful and clean in these places to keep everyone healthy.
How Cruise Ships Keep Passengers Healthy?
Cruise ships take serious steps to prevent sickness from spreading among guests. With advice from the CDC and the Vessel Sanitation Program, cruise lines ensure everything is clean and check that their air and water systems are safe.
They also train staff to use special cleaning chemicals and follow strict routines, which helps keep everyone healthy and reduces the chance of catching norovirus.
Tips for Staying Healthy on a Cruise
When you’re on a cruise, keeping yourself healthy is key. Experts like Boden Albala and Kang recommend washing your hands often, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
Cruise ships are well equipped with hand sanitizers, and they clean surfaces that people touch a lot. Drinking plenty of water and following the ship’s health rules can also help you avoid getting sick.
How to Stay Safe from Norovirus on a Cruise?
Following are ways to Stay Safe from Norovirus on a Cruise:
1. Wash Your Hands Regularly
Make sure to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds with hot water—singing “Happy Birthday” twice can help time it. This is crucial to keep the virus at bay.
2. Be Cautious with Shared Surfaces
Avoid touching railings, elevator buttons, and bathroom door handles as much as possible. If you need to use a railing, hover your hand close instead of touching it directly.
3. Keep Your Stateroom Clean
Always wash your hands when you return to your room. Consider asking your room steward to remove decorative pillows and covers that might harbor germs. Wipe down or use a plastic cover to keep things like the TV remote clean.
4. Be Wary of the Buffet
Buffets are common places for the virus to spread. If you see someone cough and then touch the utensils, it’s best to leave. Always use hand sanitizer after touching any communal item, even after washing your hands.
5. Dine Safely
After handling the menu in the dining room, wash your hands before eating. Once you sit down, avoid touching the underside of your chair or other surfaces.
6. Muster Drill Precautions
During muster drills, try to position yourself at the start of the line to avoid being too close to other passengers. This can reduce the risk of being exposed to coughs or sneezes.
Cruise Ship Norovirus Symptoms
Norovirus is second only to the common cold in terms of frequency on cruise ships. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, shivering, headaches, fever, and stomach pain.
Typically, the illness is mild and resolves on its own, usually without the need for medical intervention. Most people recover from the virus within 24 to 48 hours.
Most Common Illnesses on Cruise Ships
Here are the Most common illnesses on cruise ships:
- Norovirus
Norovirus is a common issue on cruise ships, causing over 90 percent of diarrheal outbreaks. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain.
- Flu and Respiratory Illnesses
This year’s flu season in the U.S. started early, along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is risky for older adults. Although cases of flu and RSV have decreased since autumn, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these viruses are still present in the U.S. and globally.
- Measles and Other Diseases
While not as common, diseases like measles and chickenpox, which can be prevented by vaccines, still appear on cruise ships.
- Seasickness
Seasickness, or motion sickness, isn’t contagious but can make you feel very unwell. Fortunately, most people get over it quickly, and there are medicines available to help.
- Sunburns and Bites
Remember to pack sunscreen, advise experts Lucar and Chen. A sunburn can spoil your cruise fun and increase your risk of skin cancer.
Frequently asked questions
What Cruise Ships Currently have Norovirus?
Specific cruise ships with norovirus cases change frequently. The CDC tracks outbreaks on cruise ships and provides updated information on its website regarding ongoing cases.
What are the Odds of Getting Norovirus on a Cruise Ship?
The odds are low, with less than 1% of passengers affected. However, close living quarters and shared spaces increase the risk of catching norovirus.
How Do You Prevent Norovirus on a Cruise Ship?
Prevent norovirus by frequently washing your hands, using hand sanitizer, avoiding buffet lines, and cleaning high touch surfaces like door handles and remotes in your stateroom.
How Does Norovirus Affect the Cruise Industry?
Norovirus outbreaks lead to increased sanitation efforts, reputation damage, canceled cruises, and potential financial losses, impacting both passenger trust and overall industry performance.