Norovirus Outbreak Hits Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas
Over 90 passengers and crew aboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas have fallen ill with norovirus during a cruise from San Diego to Miami. The outbreak comes just days before the ship’s scheduled docking in Miami.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention( CDC) reported that 94 passengers and four crew members “reported being ill during the voyage,” displaying symptoms similar to diarrhea and vomiting.
Other common signs include muscle pangs, headaches, abdominal cramps or fever, and passing three or further loose droppings within 24 hours.
With 1,874 passengers and 883 crew on board, fewer than 4 of those on the boat have been infected.
The voyage line has ramped up drawing and disinfection measures, isolated sick individuals, and collected samples for testing.
“The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority,” Royal Caribbean stated.
“To maintain an environment that supports the highest levels of health and safety onboard our ships, we implement rigorous cleaning procedures, many of which far exceed public health guidelines,” the company added.
The Serenade of the Swell consulted the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program on drawing procedures and case reporting, with the agency covering the outbreak and the boat’s response ever.
After leaving San Diego on September 19, the boat visited Mexico, the Panama Canal, and Colombia before heading to Miami.
This outbreak marks the 19th gastrointestinal incident reported on voyage vessels this time, with 14 of those caused by norovirus.
Passengers and crew are prompted to exercise careful hygiene, including frequent handwashing, to help prevent the contagion further.
