The Queen Mary 2, Cunard Lines' flagship ocean liner, is now implementing health measures as it returns to port.
Luxury Cruise Hit by Norovirus Outbreak: Over 230 Infected on Queen Mary 2
Luxury Cruise Hit by Norovirus Outbreak: Over 230 Infected on Queen Mary 2
Norovirus has left more than 230 passengers and crew members ill on a luxury cruise from England to the Caribbean.
More than 230 individuals aboard the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship have been infected with norovirus, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.). The luxury vessel, part of Cunard Lines, embarked on a 29-day round trip from Southampton, England, on March 8, with its outbreak first noted on March 18 after a stop in New York City. The outbreak has impacted 224 passengers and 17 crew members, with symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting.
Following the reported illnesses, the C.D.C. highlighted that the ship has implemented isolation protocols and sanitation measures to control the spread. The Queen Mary 2, or QM2, visited several destinations including St. Maarten, St. Lucia, and Barbados before its current journey back to Southampton, scheduled for April 6.
Cunard Lines has assured the public that they are closely monitoring the situation. A representative from the cruise line stated, “Thanks to the swift response from our crew and the additional measures that we have in place, we are already seeing a reduction in reported cases.”
The Queen Mary 2, which measures 1,132 feet and is known as one of the largest ocean liners in operation since its launch in 2004, has a history of dealing with norovirus outbreaks. In 2013, a reported incident on the vessel resulted in a “near-military-level” disinfection that delayed departure after over 200 individuals fell ill.
Norovirus is a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness that primarily spreads in confined environments like cruise ships, dormitories, and healthcare facilities. According to the C.D.C., it affects up to 21 million Americans annually through contaminated food, water, or direct contact. Although there is no specific treatment, most cases resolve within a few days.
Cruise lines are mandated to notify the C.D.C. of any outbreaks during voyages, capturing the total number of people affected throughout the trip. Recent reports from the C.D.C. also indicated norovirus outbreaks on other cruise ships, exemplifying the importance of public health vigilance on maritime travels.
Following the reported illnesses, the C.D.C. highlighted that the ship has implemented isolation protocols and sanitation measures to control the spread. The Queen Mary 2, or QM2, visited several destinations including St. Maarten, St. Lucia, and Barbados before its current journey back to Southampton, scheduled for April 6.
Cunard Lines has assured the public that they are closely monitoring the situation. A representative from the cruise line stated, “Thanks to the swift response from our crew and the additional measures that we have in place, we are already seeing a reduction in reported cases.”
The Queen Mary 2, which measures 1,132 feet and is known as one of the largest ocean liners in operation since its launch in 2004, has a history of dealing with norovirus outbreaks. In 2013, a reported incident on the vessel resulted in a “near-military-level” disinfection that delayed departure after over 200 individuals fell ill.
Norovirus is a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness that primarily spreads in confined environments like cruise ships, dormitories, and healthcare facilities. According to the C.D.C., it affects up to 21 million Americans annually through contaminated food, water, or direct contact. Although there is no specific treatment, most cases resolve within a few days.
Cruise lines are mandated to notify the C.D.C. of any outbreaks during voyages, capturing the total number of people affected throughout the trip. Recent reports from the C.D.C. also indicated norovirus outbreaks on other cruise ships, exemplifying the importance of public health vigilance on maritime travels.
