What Causes Norovirus On Cruise Ships

Worldwide norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis.

What causes norovirus on cruise ships. Incidents of norovirus or other gastrointestinal GI disease are quite rare on cruise ships. Noro is not a Cruise ship illness. CDC investigators traced the source of 10 cruise ship outbreaks back to a smoothie made with frozen raspberries.

It can also occur through unsanitary practices by staff meaning not washing their hands before preparing food. During 2008-2014 a total of 133 cruise ship acute gastroenteritis outbreaks were reported 95 71 of which had specimens available for testing. Norovirus outbreaks can occur on cruise ships when people bring the virus on to the ship and pass it on to others.

The rate of outbreaks on cruise ships has grown significantly in recent years. In the case of the Royal Caribbean outbreak the CDC is testing specimens taken from sick people onboard the ship and lists the cause of the outbreak as unknown. It spreads in locations where people are congregated into enclosed spaces nursing homes hospitals daycares and schools hotels dormitoriesand yes cruise ships.

You can get norovirus from an infected person from contaminated food or water or by touching contaminated surfaces. Only 1 of all cases of Norovirus occur on cruise ships. Most Norovirus Outbreaks Happen on Land.

Noro is every bit as common as the common cold. Norovirus causes a majority of outbreaks of gastrointestinal GI illness on cruise ships calling on the United States. Norovirus has been a particular problem of late for cruise ships because passengers and crew typically occupy close -- and closed-in -- quarters such as casinos theaters and banquet-style dining.

Incidents of norovirus or other gastrointestinal GI disease are quite rare on cruise ships. Given the potentially harmful consequences of outbreaks for passengers and crewmembers and the subsequently high costs for cr. Norovirus can be spread through food or water that has been contaminated with the virus and could therefore potentially be spread very quickly throughout a cruise ship if the food or water supply were to become contaminated.