Ruby Princess norovirus outbreak: 125 passengers and crew members of San Francisco cruise ship sickened
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — More than 120 passengers and crew members on a Princess cruise ship that docked in San Francisco on Thursday contracted a stomach virus during the cruise, federal health officials said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 102 passengers and 23 crew members on the Ruby Princess were infected with norovirus during a 20-day round trip from San Francisco to Canada and Alaska.
norovirus It is highly contagious and is often spread through food or surfaces, especially in crowded settings. For many people, this is a brief illness, but it can be dangerous for people with underlying health problems, young children, and people 65 and older.
Symptoms include sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain that may last three days, according to the CDC.
The outbreak aboard the Ruby Princess, which sailed on June 12, was reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Saturday, officials said, adding that not all infected people became ill at the same time or when the ship arrived or departed port.
The CDC said there were 3,032 passengers and 1,144 crew members on the Ruby Princess voyage.
Princess Cruises said in a statement that its crew responded quickly and implemented “enhanced sanitation protocols across the ship.”
The company said the ship will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before departing for its next voyage later Thursday.
Since this year, there have been Seven disease outbreaks Health officials say the viruses reported on cruise ships under the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s jurisdiction are primarily norovirus.
Most norovirus outbreaks occur when an infected person spreads the virus to others through direct means, such as by sharing food or eating utensils. The epidemic can also spread through the following ways food, water or contaminated surfaces.
Frequent hand washing is key to preventing norovirus infection, especially after using the bathroom or before eating or drinking. It’s best to use soap and water, scrub and wash for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer alone does not work well against norovirus, CDC says.
