Norovirus Outbreak Sickens Dozens on Oceania Insignia Cruise
A cruise vacation turned unpleasant for passengers aboard the Oceania Insignia, as a Norovirus outbreak has been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Tuesday, October 21, 74 of the 637 passengers onboard have reported symptoms consistent with the virus, including diarrhea and vomiting – representing 11.6% of the passenger total. One crew member among the 391 onboard has also been affected.
the Oceania Insignia began an 11-day voyage on October 16 from Montreal, Canada, and is scheduled to arrive in Boston on October 27.
oceania Cruises confirmed the outbreak, describing the symptoms as “acute gastroenteritis.” In a statement to People magazine, a company spokesperson said, ”For Oceania Cruises, the health and safety of our guests is the number one priority.” The ship’s health officer has initiated CDC-approved protocols, and passengers exhibiting symptoms are receiving treatment. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures have been implemented, and sick passengers and crew are being isolated.
This incident is part of a larger trend. The CDC has reported 20 gastrointestinal disease outbreaks on cruise ships under its jurisdiction so far this year, with Norovirus identified as the cause in 15 of those cases. The CDC notes that Norovirus is easily spread in cruise ship environments due to close quarters, shared dining areas, and frequent passenger turnover. The virus can be introduced through contaminated food or water, or by passengers infected during shore excursions.A separate Norovirus outbreak on Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas in September affected 71 passengers and one crew member.
