Holland America cruise hit with norovirus outbreak

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 224 of the 1,820 passengers on board Holland America’s cruise ship Zuiderdam were taken ill during what is thought to be a norovirus outbreak. Norovirus causes flu-like symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting.

The outbreak occurred during a 17-night cruise on the Zuiderdam. On Sunday morning, the ship berthed at Port Everglades, so that the passengers could be checked medically.

Members of the ship’s crew are cleaning the ship vessel, and the CDC is sending staff to disinfect the Zuiderdam. The departure of the cruise ship from Port Everglades will be delayed.

The CDC has not yet confirmed that the outbreak was caused by the norovirus. Passenger stool samples are being tested in order to confirm the cause.

The Holland America line has seen six outbreaks on its cruise ships this year, according to CDC information. Norwegian Cruise Line has had four, Princess Cruises has had two outbreaks, and American Canadian Caribbean Line, Carnival and Regent Seven Seas have each experienced one outbreak.

Also called the ‘24-hour flu,’ the norovirus is currently cited as the most common cause of stomach illness in the US.

www.cdc.gov