Health and Me

Ishita Roy

153 Fall Ill With Norovirus On Princess Cruise Ship

More than 150 people on board a Princess cruise ship which was touring the Caribbean have become ill with norovirus. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the total number to be 153, The CDC noted that 104 of them were passengers, while 49 were crew members. The outbreak was reported on Wednesday.

CDC noted that the Star Princess was a one-week voyage that ended Sunday and passengers and crew members were experiencing symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. 

Princess Cruises noted additional rounds of cleaning and disinfection which were done and ill passengers and crew members were isolated. Staff also consulted with CDC on best practices for eliminating the highly contagious and long-lasting virus - norovirus. 

Also called the bug outbreak, it is caused by the group of viruses that cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. As per the UK Health Security Agency, data for the 2024-25 season in England shows that norovirus laboratory reports are notably higher than the 5-season average.

The data also shows that norovirus typically increases through autumn and into winter, however, this year, an unusual rise has been noticed. The Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) is showing more outbreaks than average.

Dr Luke Powles, Associate Clinical Director, Health Clinics Bupa Global and UK also explained that this virus is also called the winter vomiting bug and is "one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK. It is highly contagious, so spreads easily". The doctor also notes that while the name suggest 'winter', you can get it any time of the year, though it is most common in colder months.

For most people, having norovirus is unpleasant, but mild and recovery could be made in 1 to 2 days. However, it could be more serious for babies, older people and anyone with any existing health condition.

Anyone can get the virus by accidentally getting particles of virus in your mouth and ingesting it. These particles are from feces or vomit from infected people, or can be transmitted via contaminated food and water. It could also spread by touching unclean surfaces like door handles or cutlery.

It is also the No.1 cause of foodborne illness in the US and first occurred in Norwalk, Ohio, in a school in 1968. This is why the first strain is named after the location and is called the Norwalk virus.

It is the main cause of gastroenteritis. The common symptoms include:

<ul><li>Nausea</li><li>Projectile vomiting</li><li>Watery diarrhea</li></ul>

Usually it lasts for up to 2 days, though for anyone as mentioned above with an existing health condition, or babies who do not yet have a fully developed immune systems, children and older people may be at more risk. If your symptoms are not relieved in 2 days, or it worsens, or you have a serious illness, it is best to consult your doctor.

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More than 150 people on board a Princess cruise ship which was touring the Caribbean have become ill with norovirus. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the total number to be 153, The CDC noted that 104 of them were passengers, while 49 were crew members. The outbreak was reported on Wednesday. CDC noted that the Star Princess was a one-week voyage that ended Sunday and passengers and crew members were experiencing symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. Princess Cruises noted additional rounds of cleaning and disinfection which were done and ill passengers and crew members were isolated. Staff also consulted with CDC on best practices for eliminating the highly contagious and long-lasting virus - norovirus. What Is Norovirus?Also called the bug outbreak, it is caused by the group of viruses that cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. As per the UK Health Security Agency, data for the 2024-25 season in England shows that norovirus laboratory reports are notably higher than the 5-season average.The data also shows that norovirus typically increases through autumn and into winter, however, this year, an unusual rise has been noticed. The Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) is showing more outbreaks than average.Dr Luke Powles, Associate Clinical Director, Health Clinics Bupa Global and UK also explained that this virus is also called the winter vomiting bug and is "one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK. It is highly contagious, so spreads easily". The doctor also notes that while the name suggest 'winter', you can get it any time of the year, though it is most common in colder months.How Do You Get The Virus?For most people, having norovirus is unpleasant, but mild and recovery could be made in 1 to 2 days. However, it could be more serious for babies, older people and anyone with any existing health condition.Anyone can get the virus by accidentally getting particles of virus in your mouth and ingesting it. These particles are from feces or vomit from infected people, or can be transmitted via contaminated food and water. It could also spread by touching unclean surfaces like door handles or cutlery.It is also the No.1 cause of foodborne illness in the US and first occurred in Norwalk, Ohio, in a school in 1968. This is why the first strain is named after the location and is called the Norwalk virus.It is the main cause of gastroenteritis. The common symptoms include:NauseaProjectile vomitingWatery diarrheaUsually it lasts for up to 2 days, though for anyone as mentioned above with an existing health condition, or babies who do not yet have a fully developed immune systems, children and older people may be at more risk. If your symptoms are not relieved in 2 days, or it worsens, or you have a serious illness, it is best to consult your doctor.