Norovirus outbreak hits luxury liner Queen Mary 2
An outbreak occurred on the luxury cruise ship Queen Mary 2. More than 200 passengers and crew members fell ill with norovirus, which causes gastrointestinal issues, during the voyage from America 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 18th March, 10 days after the cruise departed from Southampton to New York and across the Caribbean Sea.
- How many people were infected? 224 out of 2,358 passengers and 17 out of 1,232 crew members were infected.
- What actions were taken? Those infected were isolated, and the crew performed a thorough cleaning of the ship and implemented health protocols.
What steps were taken on board?
During the Queen Mary 2 cruise, which began on 8th March, a norovirus outbreak occurred. This illness, known for spreading easily in places where people eat together, affected 224 passengers and 17 crew members. The first cases appeared on 18th March, ten days after the vessel left the port of Southampton. It quickly became apparent that the infections were not isolated incidents, as more cases followed. To prevent further spread of the virus, those infected were isolated.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
Norovirus causes gastrointestinal symptoms, which can be particularly severe on a moving ship. A spokesman for Cunard Line stated that all necessary steps have been taken to prevent further spread of the virus. "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?
Queen Mary 2 is not the only vessel dealing with norovirus. Similar cases have been reported by the cruise ship operated by Seabourn Cruise Line.
