FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA — More than 150 people became ill during a recent Princess cruise after a norovirus outbreak spread among passengers and crew during a seven-day voyage departing from Port Everglades.
According to health officials, the Star Princess cruise ship left the South Florida port on March 7 and returned Saturday after completing its scheduled trip. Reports of illness began surfacing midweek as passengers and crew started experiencing symptoms consistent with gastrointestinal infection.
The CDC said 104 passengers and 49 crew members reported symptoms of illness during the voyage. In total, the ship was carrying 4,307 guests and 1,561 crew members at the time of the outbreak.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus commonly associated with cruise ships and other close-quarter environments. Symptoms often include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, muscle aches, headache, and sometimes fever.
Officials said the cruise line responded by increasing cleaning and disinfection procedures across the ship once the outbreak was detected. Enhanced sanitation protocols are standard practice during such incidents to limit further spread of the virus.
Health authorities continue monitoring cruise-related outbreaks as part of routine public health surveillance. The CDC tracks gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships operating in U.S. waters to help contain outbreaks and identify potential health risks to travelers.
Sources
• Local10 – MBFC Rating
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