SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - More than 120 passengers and crew members aboard the Ruby Princess, a Princess Cruises ship, have reported infections linked to a norovirus outbreak during its 20-day voyage from San Francisco to Canada and Alaska. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that 102 passengers and 23 crew members were affected by the highly contagious stomach virus.
The Ruby Princess embarked on its journey on June 12, and the outbreak was reported to the CDC on Saturday. Notably, health officials indicated that the infected individuals did not all fall ill simultaneously, nor did they necessarily exhibit symptoms upon the ship's arrival or departure.
According to the CDC, the Ruby Princess carried a total of 3,032 passengers and 1,144 crew members during this trip. The agency emphasized that norovirus is particularly contagious and can spread through contaminated food, surfaces, or direct contact, especially in crowded settings. Symptoms typically manifest suddenly and can include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, lasting for up to three days. The risk is heightened for vulnerable populations, such as young children, seniors aged 65 and older, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
In response to the outbreak, Princess Cruises released a statement mentioning that the crew acted swiftly to implement enhanced sanitation protocols throughout the ship. The company assured that the Ruby Princess would undergo a thorough cleaning and disinfection process before it departs for its next scheduled voyage.
So far this year, seven illness outbreaks have been reported across cruise ships within the CDC’s jurisdiction, with the majority of these incidents stemming from norovirus. Health officials stress that norovirus outbreaks are often fueled by transmissions from infected individuals, particularly through the sharing of food or utensils. Contamination through food, water, or surfaces also plays a significant role in spreading the virus.
To mitigate the risk of norovirus infection, the CDC advocates for frequent handwashing, especially after using the restroom and before eating or drinking. They recommend using soap and water while scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, highlighting that hand sanitizer alone is not effective against norovirus.
In summary, the Ruby Princess outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent hygiene practices on cruise ships, particularly in light of the high transmissibility of norovirus, a concern for both passengers and health officials alike.
