Maritime Accident News

Norovirus confirmed as cause of Caribbean cruise ship illness

The sick count is up to 413 passengers and crew aboard a cruise ship sailing from Charleston, South Carolina to the Caribbean. That number is an increase from the 326 persons reported stricken with the illness earlier in the week. The illness is now reported to be Norovirus and the main symptoms are nausea, diarrhea and upset stomachs.

A Celebrity Cruise spokesperson says that 48 persons are in quarantine aboard the Celebrity Mercury, which carries over 1,800 passengers and 850 crew members.

Norovirus has a track record of plaguing cruise ships. Norovirus can survive for weeks on surfaces at room temperature and is difficult to kill. Doctors say only chlorine bleach will kill it. Not even alcohol wipes will do the trick. The virus is passed through the vomit or stool of infected people and by direct contact with an infected person, eating or drinking contaminated food or liquids and by touching dirty surfaces and putting hands in the mouth.

The ship is due back in Charleston Friday.

Source: Associated Press

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