Dozens sickened on Holland America cruise ship outbreak
- Over 300 passengers and crew members experienced illness from norovirus on three cruise voyages in December 2024.
- Norovirus is recognized as highly contagious and can be challenging to control due to close living conditions on cruise ships.
- The outbreak response includes heightened cleaning measures and collaboration with the CDC to prevent further incidents.
In December 2024, three separate outbreaks of norovirus were reported on cruise ships, causing illness among over 300 passengers and crew members. The outbreaks occurred on the Holland America cruise liners Rotterdam and Zuiderdam, as well as Princess Cruises' Ruby Princess, marking a concerning occurrence for the cruise industry. The Rotterdam reported 83 sick passengers and 12 crew sickened onboard, while the Zuiderdam had 87 passengers and four crew affected during a recent journey. The Ruby Princess also faced significant illness with 103 passengers and 12 crew members reporting symptoms. Health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), identified norovirus as the causative agent behind these illness outbreaks, which were characterized by symptoms primarily including diarrhea and vomiting. Norovirus is notorious for being highly contagious and difficult to manage in environments like cruise ships due to the close quarters, shared dining spaces, and rapid turnover in passengers from multiple locations. Cruise lines are taking action in response to these outbreaks, implementing heightened sanitation protocols and working closely with the CDC. Increased cleaning, disinfection procedures, and the isolation of affected individuals have been prioritized to control the situation. Health officials have even collected stool specimens for testing in an effort to confirm the source of the outbreaks and prevent further spread. Despite these measures, the CDC noted that norovirus outbreaks occur not only in cruise ships but also in various settings such as healthcare facilities and schools. While such incidents on cruise ships represent a small portion of all norovirus outbreaks reported, they draw significant attention due to the potential for rapid transmission among passengers. With this outbreak marking the 12th incident reported this year to the CDC, the cruise industry continues to face challenges in managing and mitigating the effects of norovirus infections.