A mysterious gastrointestinal outbreak on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship has left 180 passengers on board and three staff members suffering unpleasant symptoms.
Those aboard the Radiance of the Seas ship have reported experiencing diarrhea, stomach cramps, headaches and muscle aches during a trip to Alaska.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those on board the September 20 to 27 voyage were plagued by the still unknown disease.
The same ship was plagued by a norovirus outbreak earlier this year. That causes similar symptoms – although the reason for the latest mass illness has not yet been determined.
Just over 8 percent of the 2,172 passengers on board fell ill, amounting to 180, while three crew members of the 894 staff on board also reported being ill.
As a result of the outbreak, crew members raised the alarm and passengers were encouraged to report cases and practice good hand hygiene.
Those aboard the Radiance of the Seas ship have reported experiencing diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headaches and muscle aches
This latest outbreak is the second this year on board the Radiance of the Seas, after nearly 70 people were diagnosed with norovirus in April. Here is a computer illustration of the Norovirus
Other steps included an increase in cleaning and disinfection to control the disease.
In a statement, Royal Caribbean said: “The health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we visit are our top priority.
‘To maintain an environment that supports the highest level of health and safety onboard our ships, we are implementing rigorous cleaning procedures, many of which far exceed public health guidelines.’
This latest outbreak is the second this year on board the Radiance of the Seas, after nearly 70 people were diagnosed with norovirus in April.
During a voyage from Tampa, Florida, to Los Angeles, California, 67 of the 1,993 guests on board became ill, as did two crew members.
In 2024, the CDC recorded ten outbreaks of gastrointestinal diseases that reached the threshold for notification to the public. In all but three cases, norovirus is cited as the cause.
In April, epidemiologist and chief of infectious diseases at NYU Langone Health’s Tisch Hospital said cruise ships were not unique and that the bug spread in any environment.
She told me USA today: ‘There is nothing special or unique about cruise ships.
Norovirus infections are caused by a group of viruses that spread remarkably easily and require only 10 particles to make someone feel unwell
‘It is actually any form of gathering, but it also happens on a much smaller scale in the community, among households and family contacts.
“It just doesn’t come to public health attention as often as larger gatherings.”
Norovirus infections are caused by a group of viruses that spread remarkably easily and only require 10 particles to make someone feel unwell.
It can spread from person to person, through food or water, or on contaminated surfaces, including doorknobs or handrails.
The main symptoms are nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Some people also have fever, headache, and sore arms and legs.
In severe cases, some people may need to be hospitalized, while the elderly and children are most at risk.