Whether from Miami, New York, Seattle or more, millions of Americans pack aboard cruise ships on vacation. But when it comes to the health of those travelers, it's not always smooth sailing.
, but experts believe that soaring demand for cruises and record numbers of passengers might be behind it.
In fact, the program recorded no norovirus outbreaks in 2020 and 2021, likely due to limited cruising and updated sanitation protocols through the Covid-19 pandemic. The CDC releases information about outbreaks on cruises that have over 100 passengers traveling between three and 21 days, and when over 3% of passengers and crew report symptoms.Four norovirus outbreaks, involving a total of 449 passengers and crew members, have happened aboard Royal Caribbean ships this year, the most of any individual cruise company, according to CDC data.
"They're an enclosed population: a very large, compactly packaged population that's together for long periods of time, often in really tight quarters," he said."So there are just very many opportunities for people to encounter each other ... making it relatively easy for this virus to be transmitted."
Although symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting often fade away in a few days, they can also cause dehydration. For older passengers who may make up a disproportionate number of cruise clientele, Schaffner warned, rapid fluid loss can create the risk of more serious illness. For people with diabetes, dehydration can throw off treatment strategies.
Schaffner also suspects that people feeling ill before boarding are now more inclined to set sail. Eager for a vacation after a 2½-year pandemic delay, many could be bringing norovirus with them, he suggested.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
After years of decline, norovirus outbreaks surge on cruise ships | CNNThere have been 13 outbreaks of norovirus on cruises this year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s the highest number of norovirus outbreaks on cruises recorded since 2012, with almost half of the calendar year left to go.
Read more »
After years of decline, norovirus outbreaks surge on cruise shipsThere have been 13 outbreaks of norovirus on cruises this year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s the highest number of norovirus outbreaks on cruises recorded since 2012, with almost half of the calendar year left to go.
Read more »
Cruise Ships See Spike in Norovirus OutbreaksOutbreaks on cruise ships of norovirus - a common cause of vomiting and diarrhea - and other gastrointestinal illnesses are on a record-setting pace this year.
Read more »
After years of decline, norovirus outbreaks are surging on cruise shipsThere have been 13 outbreaks of norovirus on cruises this year, according to the CDC. That’s the highest number of norovirus outbreaks on cruises recorded since 2012, with almost half of the calendar year left to go.
Read more »
Europe Is Probing Whether Ozempic Use Raises Risk of Suicidal ThoughtsEuropean drug regulators are reviewing the risk of thoughts of suicide and self-harm in people taking Ozempic and another weight-loss drug after getting three reports
Read more »