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Rachel V Thomas

US CDC Reports 9th Cruise Ship Gastrointestinal Illness Outbreak In 2026; 13 Fall Sick

The <span>US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</span> (<span>CDC</span>) has reported its ninth gastrointestinal (GI) illness outbreak linked to a <span>cruise ship</span> in 2026 after 13 people fell ill aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird.

The CDC is investigating the incident, and the cause of the outbreak has not yet been identified. The affected vessel is operated by <span>Lindblad Expeditions</span>.

The latest incident is also the ship's fourth <span>gastrointestinal illness</span> outbreak in less than two months, following one outbreak each in May and June and a second outbreak in July.

“Eight of the 57 guests sailing aboard National Geographic Sea Bird reported being ill during its July 15 voyage, along with five crew members,” the CDC said in a statement. Their predominant symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.

In response, <span>Lindblad</span> Expeditions said it has intensified cleaning and disinfection measures and isolated affected passengers and crew members to help limit the spread of illness.

The company has also canceled three scheduled passenger voyages departing on July 20, July 25, and July 30 to carry out enhanced sanitation procedures.

The cruise operator said the pause will allow it "to conduct enhanced sanitation protocols aligned with the highest industry standards and provide additional time to help prevent the risk of further cases."

"We are working directly with affected guests to provide refunds, support and alternative travel arrangements," Lindblad told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. 

<h2>What Are Gastrointestinal Illnesses? </h2>

Gastrointestinal illnesses, also known as gastroenteritis, are the inflammation of the stomach and intestines that causes vomiting, diarrhea, cramps in the abdomen, and occasionally fever or muscle pain. 

Commonly called the "stomach flu," it is not caused by the flu virus and has nothing to do with respiratory infections. Rather, it is usually caused by infection or chemical irritants to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. There are two main types: 

<ol><li>Infectious gastroenteritis – due to viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi. </li><li>Chemical gastroenteritis – due to ingestion of poisonous substances such as some drugs, alcohol, or polluted food/water. </li></ol> 

<h2>How Does <span rel="noindex">Gastroenteritis Spread</span>? </h2>

The most prevalent reason for gastroenteritis is the intake of contaminated food or water. It is also spread by contact with infected people or surfaces they have contacted. Some typical situations include: 

<ul><li>Consumption of undercooked meat or seafood </li><li>Inadequate washing of hands after using the toilet </li><li>Drinking unbottled or unfiltered water during travel </li></ul> 

Though most individuals recover quickly, individuals with compromised immune systems—such as young children, the elderly, or those with chronic diseases—are at a higher risk for developing complications like dehydration and extended illness. 

Acute gastroenteritis usually presents with a combination of the following:

<ul><li>Sudden onset of watery diarrhea (non-bloody) </li><li>Nausea and vomiting</li><li>Abdominal cramps or bloating </li><li>Low-grade fever</li><li>General fatigue or muscle aches</li></ul>

These symptoms typically occur within 1–3 days of contact with the infection and can last anywhere from 24 hours up to two weeks, depending upon the cause and the immune response of the patient. 

Extreme age groups, especially very young infants and the elderly, are at higher risk due to dehydration from diarrheal illness. However, deaths remain rare when proper care is provided. 

<h2>What You Can Do To Stop Its Spread </h2>

Because of how fast viruses spread, experts highly recommend preventive actions such as:

<ul><li>Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet or before preparing food. </li><li>Avoid visiting hospitals or care homes if experiencing symptoms. </li><li>Stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms subside to prevent spreading the virus.</li></ul>

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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported its ninth gastrointestinal (GI) illness outbreak linked to a cruise ship in 2026 after 13 people fell ill aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird.The CDC is investigating the incident, and the cause of the outbreak has not yet been identified. The affected vessel is operated by Lindblad Expeditions.The latest incident is also the ship's fourth gastrointestinal illness outbreak in less than two months, following one outbreak each in May and June and a second outbreak in July.“Eight of the 57 guests sailing aboard National Geographic Sea Bird reported being ill during its July 15 voyage, along with five crew members,” the CDC said in a statement. Their predominant symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. In response, Lindblad Expeditions said it has intensified cleaning and disinfection measures and isolated affected passengers and crew members to help limit the spread of illness.The company has also canceled three scheduled passenger voyages departing on July 20, July 25, and July 30 to carry out enhanced sanitation procedures.The cruise operator said the pause will allow it "to conduct enhanced sanitation protocols aligned with the highest industry standards and provide additional time to help prevent the risk of further cases.""We are working directly with affected guests to provide refunds, support and alternative travel arrangements," Lindblad told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. What Are Gastrointestinal Illnesses?  Gastrointestinal illnesses, also known as gastroenteritis, are the inflammation of the stomach and intestines that causes vomiting, diarrhea, cramps in the abdomen, and occasionally fever or muscle pain.  Commonly called the "stomach flu," it is not caused by the flu virus and has nothing to do with respiratory infections. Rather, it is usually caused by infection or chemical irritants to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. There are two main types:  Infectious gastroenteritis – due to viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi. Chemical gastroenteritis – due to ingestion of poisonous substances such as some drugs, alcohol, or polluted food/water.  How Does Gastroenteritis Spread?  The most prevalent reason for gastroenteritis is the intake of contaminated food or water. It is also spread by contact with infected people or surfaces they have contacted. Some typical situations include:  Consumption of undercooked meat or seafood Inadequate washing of hands after using the toilet Drinking unbottled or unfiltered water during travel  Though most individuals recover quickly, individuals with compromised immune systems—such as young children, the elderly, or those with chronic diseases—are at a higher risk for developing complications like dehydration and extended illness.  Symptoms Of Gastroenteritis  Acute gastroenteritis usually presents with a combination of the following: Sudden onset of watery diarrhea (non-bloody) Nausea and vomitingAbdominal cramps or bloating Low-grade feverGeneral fatigue or muscle achesThese symptoms typically occur within 1–3 days of contact with the infection and can last anywhere from 24 hours up to two weeks, depending upon the cause and the immune response of the patient.  Extreme age groups, especially very young infants and the elderly, are at higher risk due to dehydration from diarrheal illness. However, deaths remain rare when proper care is provided.  What 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.

us cdc reports 9th cruise ship gastrointestinal illness outbreak in 2026; 13 fall sick

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