Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause gastroenteritis or inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is often referred to as the “stomach flu” and is responsible for approximately 21 million cases of illness in the United States each year. One question that frequently arises is whether norovirus epidemics occur at the highest rate on cruise ships.
The short answer is yes, norovirus outbreaks do occur more frequently on cruise ships than on land. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 2008 to 2014, there were 197 reported norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships in the United States alone, affecting over 73,000 passengers and crew members.
What Causes Norovirus Outbreaks on Cruise Ships?
There are several factors that contribute to norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships. First, there are a large number of people in close proximity to one another for an extended period of time.
This makes it easier for the virus to spread from person to person. Additionally, cruise ship passengers come from all over the world and may bring different strains of the virus with them.
Another factor that contributes to norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships is the high-touch environment onboard. Cruise ships have many shared surfaces such as handrails, elevator buttons, and door handles that can harbor the virus and allow it to spread easily.
Preventing Norovirus Outbreaks on Cruise Ships
Cruise lines take norovirus outbreaks very seriously and have implemented strict protocols to prevent them from occurring. These protocols include:
- Screening passengers before boarding for symptoms of illness
- Increasing cleaning and disinfection procedures throughout the ship
- Educating passengers about proper hand hygiene
- Encouraging sick passengers to stay in their cabins until they are no longer contagious
- Working with public health officials to identify and contain outbreaks if they do occur
The Bottom Line
While norovirus outbreaks do occur more frequently on cruise ships than on land, it is important to note that the vast majority of cruise ship passengers do not get sick. By following proper hand hygiene practices and adhering to the protocols put in place by the cruise lines, passengers can reduce their risk of contracting norovirus.
References:
- https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/surv/gilist.htm
- https://wwwnc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/travel-related-infectious-diseases/norovirus-gastroenteritis-on-cruise-ships
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/norovirus