Cruise companies work hard to keep their guests and crew safe and healthy, but sometimes the spread of disease is inevitable when so many people from all over the world come together in confined spaces. 'Princess Cruises' sapphire princess It is the latest ship to report a norovirus outbreak.
Shipboard gastrointestinal disease outbreak sapphire princess
Norovirus, which can spread quickly and easily in close quarters, is no stranger to the cruise world. Flight attendants work hard to keep common areas sanitary, but all it takes is one sick guest to be in the wrong place at the wrong time to start the spread of disease.
The latest victim of gastrointestinal disease has been discovered. Sapphire Princess A 32-day voyage to the South Pacific islands and Hawaii set sail from Los Angeles, California on April 5, 2024. As of April 25, 94 passengers and 20 crew members were infected, the Pentagon said. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
That may sound like a lot, but it's actually a low number considering the number of passengers and crew on board that remain unaffected. Sick passengers account for only 3.71% of the 2,532 passengers, and 20 flight attendants account for less than 2% of the 1,066 crew members.
Additionally, norovirus is rarely serious. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea The cause is unpleasant. Fortunately, symptoms almost always resolve on their own within 1 to 3 days. This gives passengers enough time to get back to enjoying themselves once symptoms subside.
The Gem-class cruise ship, which departed on April 5, has already stopped at Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii. Kahului (Maui), Hawaii; Apia, Western Samoa; Pago Pago (American Samoa); Suva, Fiji; and Dravuni in Fiji.
The 115,875 gross tonnage ship will also sail to Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia, and Moorea, French Polynesia, before the cruise concludes in Los Angeles on May 7. She has not had any schedule changes related to her outbreak at the time of publication, and for this reason she likely will not.
Flight attendants are working hard to prevent the spread of disease
Cruise lines work hard to prevent disease outbreaks in the first place, but they have protocols in place to take action quickly if such a situation arises. In the case of sapphire princessCrews collected stool samples from those affected to confirm the diagnosis, immediately isolated sick passengers and crew, and increased cleaning and disinfection measures throughout the ship.
Qualified crew remained in close contact with the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) operated by CDC. This allows healthcare professionals to closely monitor outbreaks and provide sound advice to alleviate the situation.
In fact, VSP experts monitor every cruise ship outbreak that occurs, and all cruise ships are required to file a report if an illness affects more than 3% of passengers. outbreak in sapphire princess 6th in 2024, a very low number considering the millions of cruisers who vacation on the high seas each year. For context, there were 14 outbreaks in 2023 and 4 in 2022.
ahead sapphire princess, The most recent outbreaks affected Silversea Cruises and Holland America Line. Earlier this month (April 2024) Silversea Cruises' newest ship; silver Nova, Reported that there were 28 guests and 1 crew member. Suffered from an unexplained gastrointestinal illness during a 16-night voyage. From Lima, Peru to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
One month ago, in March 2024, Holland America Line's Koningsdam Ninety-eight passengers (out of 2,522) and 12 crew members (out of 961) fell ill. I contracted norovirus during a 35-night Pacific cruise.
According to passenger reports: Koningsdam, the outbreaks had little impact on sailings, and in both cases mitigation and hygiene protocols were able to stop the spread and quickly clean up the outbreaks. There have been no reports of anyone needing to be hospitalized or dying due to the gastrointestinal virus.
But if potential cruisers are feeling a bit jaded about potential infectious diseases, there are many steps they can take to stay healthy while on a cruise, starting with washing their hands.
Whenever you touch high-touch areas such as handrails or elevator buttons, be sure to use hand sanitizer before eating or stopping by the sink. Likewise, consider keeping small disinfectant wipes on hand to clean frequently touched surfaces, such as buffet tables.
Also read: Cruise Ship Illness: How to Protect Yourself
It's also important to practice healthy habits while on vacation, such as getting enough sleep, taking prescribed medications and vitamins, and taking time to get some fresh air on deck.