200 Passengers struck down with gastro-intestinal illness !!

 

Could you imagine using your hard earned cash to book a cruise for a lovely break away to then be stuck in your cabin due to been struck down with the dreaded Norovirus ? Well around 200 people who were on board Royal Caribbeans Ovation Of The Seas know that feeling !!

The outbreak began after the ship left Singapore on 23 November. Passengers were treated with over-the-counter medicine on board before the ship docked in Hobart, Tasmania, on Tuesday 5 December.Cruise ships have their own medical teams, medical surveillance systems, outbreak control measures and are well-trained in treating passengers. The Ovation Of the Seas can accommodate around 5800 passengers so for only 200 to catch this shows that the measures they take to prevent any further spreading do work.

How is this caused ? Once an infected person gets on board a ship, the virus can be spread quickly, mainly through hand contact with ship railings, bathroom doors, and especially buffet food, now if this person knew they were ill then i find it very selfish of them to still want to travel probably thinking it will pass in a day or so and they can then continue and enjoy the rest of there cruise clearly not thinking about other passengers who are also there to enjoy themselves. The Norovirus is highly contagious and anyone with a brain or access to google would know this.

If you are unlucky enough to catch the Norovirus while on board then the following could help.

  1. Be informed – Norovirus is contagious with a very short incubation period. It takes anywhere between 12 – 48 hours after getting infected with the virus
  2. Wash your hands – Tihs should be your top most priority on a cruise ship, as hand washing is the best defense against this virus. Always wash your hands before and after eating, carry a hand sanitiser at all times.. The buffets are actually the high risk areas with guests touching ladles and spoons etc.
  3. Stay confined to your cabin if you feel sick – Its important to think about other passengers aboard(unlike the person who brought it on board), just in case you or your fellow cruisers show Norovirus symptoms. Stay confined to your cabin and inform the crew, so that they can take the appropriate measures.
  4. Stay Hydrated – Make sure you drink plenty of water as dehydration can prolong this nasty bug. It might be a good idea to pack some Dioralyte
  5. your not dying i promise – i have had the dreaded Norovirus almost every year since i was a child and i can for one say it is the most horrendous feeling ever and yes you may feel like you are dying but it will pass. If the virus doesn’t ease off within a few days then please go to a on board doctor.

Have you ever been struck down with this Virus on board a cruise ? its actually more common than you think but if caught quickly then it can be controlled and you may no even know that someone on board is ever infected.


About Me

Hi Everyone Thanks for taking the time to visit my page. My Name is Jenna McGhee from Bonnie Scotland where I live with my Lovely husband, my son who is the apple of my eye and our little Yorkie Ollie. I have worked in the travel industry for the past…

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