Hot on the heels of the hantavirus outbreak onboard MV Hondius and a norovirus outbreak on a Caribbean cruise, France has now reported another suspected norovirus outbreak and confined more than 1,700 passengers and crew members to a cruise ship docked in Bordeaux. The Ambition cruise ship, carrying 1,233 passengers — most of them British or Irish nationals — arrived in Bordeaux on Tuesday. French health officials stated that 80 people had suffered from “symptoms consistent with an acute digestive infection” since Monday, Radio Télévision Suisse reported. Further tests confirmed that a simple “episode of gastroenteritis” was affecting those onboard. “The results of the epidemiological analysis and biological samples taken at the Bordeaux University Hospital confirm that this is indeed an outbreak of viral gastroenteritis (norovirus), transmitted from person to person or through the environment. At this stage, no serious cases have been reported,” the Gironde prefecture and the regional health agency (ARS) said in a statement. Sick Passengers Isolated Onboard The doctor on board the ship isolated sick passengers in their cabins as soon as they showed symptoms, while the remaining passengers were allowed to move around onboard but were not permitted to disembark at the docks. The situation was reported Tuesday evening after the ship and its 514 crew members arrived at the port of Bordeaux, where it remains moored in the city center. Authorities later stated that the “disembarkation ban” affecting passengers and crew since the vessel’s arrival at dawn would be lifted for asymptomatic individuals. However, those who are ill must remain in isolation. On Monday, “digestive symptoms appeared” while the ship was stationed in Brest, said Dr. Karim Tararbit, medical adviser to the ARS, during a press briefing. Also Read: Why The Norovirus Outbreak On A Caribbean Cruise Ship Is Not A Cause for PanicPassenger Death ReportedDuring the same stop in Brittany, a 92-year-old British national died onboard following a cardiac arrest. Authorities clarified that “at this stage there is no link between this death and the situation onboard,” Dr. Tararbit added. According to the Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux, the body of the deceased is being kept onboard “in accordance with the provisions of international conventions”. What Does The Cruise Operator Say “We would like to reassure guests that we take any illnesses aboard our fleet extremely seriously. Enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols were immediately implemented across the ship in line with established public health procedures following the initial reports of illness,” the cruise operator said in a statement. “The comprehensive health and safety measures introduced include increased cleaning and disinfection in public areas, assisted service in selected dining venues, and ongoing guidance to guests regarding hand hygiene, including regular hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, and prompt reporting of any symptoms to the onboard medical team.” The company added that medical consultations related to gastrointestinal illness were being provided free of charge. Authorities in Bordeaux requested a routine review of the ship’s health status and records, the operator said, adding that a specialist medical team and sanitation consultants had also been dispatched to the vessel. Norovirus Case On Caribbean CruiseLast week, a cruise ship sailing from Florida with over 3,000 passengers reported a major norovirus outbreak, affecting more than 100 passengers and crew members who fell ill with vomiting and diarrhea. as the cause. According to the cruise operator Princess Cruises, enhanced cleaning protocols were implemented immediately after the outbreak was detected. Sick passengers and crew were isolated, and hygiene measures across dining and public areas were intensified.Read More: India Better Prepared For Hantavirus Outbreaks After COVID-19 Experience, Says Dr NK Ganguly | ExclusiveWhat Is Norovirus? Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Speaking to HealthandMe, epidemiologist Dr. Amitav Banerjee, professor at DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, described the norovirus as “notorious because it spreads very fast”. “It can spread through fomites like handles and knobs, and even a very low infectious dose — around 18 viral particles — can cause infection. So it spreads very fast,” he said. Norovirus illnesses usually last between two and three days. Symptoms usually begin suddenly within 12 to 48 hours of exposure and may include: NauseaVomitingWatery diarrheaStomach crampsLow-grade feverHeadache and body achesFatigueWhat You Can Do To Stop Its Spread Because of how fast viruses spread, experts highly recommend preventive actions such as:Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet or before preparing food.Avoid visiting hospitals or care homes if experiencing symptoms.Stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms subside to prevent spreading the virus.