Virus sweeps through cruise ship in Mexico

Upon its return to a San Diego, California port after a 10-day trip through Mexican waters, a Holland America cruise ship docked with over 100 very sick passengers onboard. A highly contagious virus was first reported by passengers on the Ryndam six days into the journey, with the 24 to 48-hour virus causing vomiting, diarrhea and nausea.

104 passengers and crewmembers fell ill on the ship that was carrying 1,226 passengers and a crew of 556. After the ship moored in San Diego, an 81-year old woman had to be taken to the hospital due to dehydration. The so-called norovirus has struck the ship three times already, and the company is quick to point out that the source of such a virus is usually carried aboard by a passenger.

During the cruise, afflicted passengers were asked to stay in their rooms to prevent further outbreak, and compensated to the tune of $100 a day for their troubles. The ship once again set sail for a similar excursion, with Holland America telling passengers they were free to take a refund if they felt unsafe. Only one couple did so.

www.hollandamerica.co.uk