Norovirus outbreak shakes luxury cruise aboard Queen Mary 2
An outbreak occurred on the luxury cruise ship Queen Mary 2. Over 200 passengers and crew members fell ill with norovirus, known for causing gastrointestinal issues, during the voyage from the United States to the United Kingdom.
What do you need to know?
- When and where did the outbreak occur? The norovirus outbreak on the Queen Mary 2 began on March 18, 10 days after the cruise set sail from Southampton to New York through the Caribbean Sea.
- How many people were infected? 224 out of 2,358 passengers and 17 out of 1,232 crew members contracted the virus.
- What actions were taken? Those affected were isolated, and the crew carried out a comprehensive cleaning of the ship while enhancing health protocols.
What steps were taken on board?
During the Queen Mary 2 cruise, which commenced on March 8, a norovirus outbreak surfaced. This illness, easily spread in communal dining areas, impacted 224 passengers and 17 crew members. The first cases appeared on March 18, ten days after the vessel departed from Southampton. It soon became clear that these were not isolated cases, as more infections quickly followed. To curb the virus's spread, the affected individuals were isolated.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
Norovirus leads to gastrointestinal symptoms, which can be particularly unsettling on a rocking ship. A spokesperson for Cunard Line stated that all necessary measures have been put in place to prevent the virus's further spread. "We are continuing to closely monitor the guests and, as a precaution, completed a comprehensive deep clean of the ship and immediately activated our enhanced health and safety protocols, which are proving to be effective," the spokesperson told LADbible.
Have other ships also reported norovirus cases?
The Queen Mary 2 is not the only ship facing norovirus issues. Similar cases have been reported by a cruise ship operated by Seabourn Cruise Line.
