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1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, 33316 Florida, United States
Holland America Line's cruise ship, Rotterdam, has experienced a gastrointestinal illness outbreak. The causative agent has been identified as norovirus. The outbreak has affected 83 passengers and 12 crew members during the voyage from December 8 to December 20, 2024. The outbreak was discovered when passengers and crew members reported their symptoms to the medical center onboard. This early detection allowed for immediate steps to be taken to limit the spread of the illness. The medical staff evaluated the symptoms to see if they met the case definition for acute gastroenteritis (AGE), which includes three or more loose stools within a 24-hour period or vomiting along with one of the following symptoms: diarrhea, muscle ache, headache, abdominal cramp, or fever.The outbreak was reported to the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) on December 18, 2024. The predominant symptoms among the affected individuals were diarrhea and vomiting. Out of the total 2,192 passengers onboard, 3.79% reported being ill. Similarly, 1.26% of the total 953 crew members also reported being ill during the voyage.
In response to the outbreak, Holland America Line and the crew aboard the ship increased cleaning and disinfection procedures according to their outbreak prevention and response plan. They also collected stool specimens from the ill individuals for testing and isolated them. The VSP is remotely monitoring the situation, including reviewing the ship's outbreak response and sanitation procedures.
Norovirus is very contagious and is easily transmitted from person to person mostly through the oral/fecal route. Considering that hand sanitizer does NOT work against this virus, it is important to wash your hands with soap frequently. Use bleach to clean and disinfect surfaces.
In case you experience Norovirus symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea, report it now. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care
Source: www.cdc.gov/vessel-sanitation/cruise-ship-outbreaks/rotterdam-december-2024.html
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