Norovirus outbreak effect nearly 500

If your a member of any of the online cruise sites you may have already seen that this week took the decision to cancel one of its cruises and return back to port early due to a major Norovirus outbreak on oasis of the seas.

Initially, numbers were around the 250 mark but have since increased to around 500 passengers and crew who had come down with the illness.

Many people presume norovirus is an issue you get on board ships but in fact, can happen anywhere hotels etc but as the people are more confined and the fact the cruise lines have to report it makes it seem more of an issue for them

According to the centers for disease control and prevention, norovirus is a type of gastrointestinal illness and is “very contagious.” You can catch it from people infected by it and by touching contaminated surfaces or eating or drinking contaminated food and water.

Symptoms include stomach pains, nausea, and diarrhea, according to the CDC. Although it is highly transmissible, the illness is “relatively infrequent on cruise ships,” the CDC states.

All cruise lines have procedures in place to try to prevent these outbreaks ie hand sanitizers throughout the ship, staff ensuring you use the sanitizer everytime you enter a dining area or embark or disembark the ship,there are signs in the toilets asking you to use hand towels for the doors but I guess there is only so much the cruise line can do and really its down to the passengers to try to prevent this.

I was once sailing onboard P&O Azura when an outbreak broke out I seem to remember it was only small numbers 20 to 30 but the ship swings into action increasing the cleaning and wiping of the services in the buffet areas you couldn’t even hold the tongs the crew served all the buffet food for you. The crew was not allowed to shake hands with any passengers and passengers themselves were warned against contact with others and thankfully for us, the outbreak was contained.

I do feel sorry for the passengers on oasis having their cruise cut short but I guess given the number of people affected was there the only choice.

Where you on board or have you been affected by Norovirus in the past?