Outbreak Confirmed on Caribbean Princess
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports it is monitoring a norovirus outbreak on board a Princess Cruises ship that departed Fort Lauderdale more than a week ago. The outbreak unfolded on the Caribbean Princess and was reported on Thursday, May 7. This is the second time within two months that a norovirus outbreak has occurred on a Princess ship based out of Fort Lauderdale.
The CDC notes that the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) is conducting a field response for an environmental assessment and outbreak investigation to help control the spread. The source did not provide details on the number of passengers or crew affected.
Recent History of Gastrointestinal Illness on Cruise Ships
This incident follows other gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships departing from Florida. In early January, the CDC reported that an outbreak on board a Holland America cruise ship had sickened more than 80 people after departing from Fort Lauderdale at the end of December. In February, the agency said 27 people were sickened in an outbreak of an unknown gastrointestinal illness on board a luxury cruise ship, the Regent Seven Seas, which was sailing from Miami to Honolulu.
These recurring events underscore the challenges cruise lines face in maintaining sanitation and preventing the spread of contagious illnesses. The CDC continues to monitor and respond to such outbreaks to protect public health.
For travelers concerned about norovirus, health experts recommend frequent handwashing and consulting a healthcare professional if symptoms develop. The source did not provide further details on the current outbreak’s impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Princess cruise ship had a norovirus outbreak after departing Fort Lauderdale?
The outbreak occurred on the Caribbean Princess, a Princess Cruises ship that departed Fort Lauderdale more than a week ago.
When was the norovirus outbreak on the Caribbean Princess reported?
The outbreak was reported on Thursday, May 7, according to the CDC.
How many norovirus outbreaks have occurred on Princess ships based out of Fort Lauderdale in the last two months?
This is the second time within two months that a norovirus outbreak happened on a Princess ship based out of Fort Lauderdale.
