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Health officials report norovirus outbreak aboard Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess
July 2 – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced Thursday that more than 120 individuals aboard the cruise ship Ruby Princess have reported symptoms consistent with norovirus infection.
The Ruby Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, was midway through a 20-day journey along the western coast of North America when the outbreak occurred. According to the CDC, 102 passengers and 23 crew members experienced gastrointestinal illness linked to the highly contagious virus.
The initial report was submitted to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program on June 28. Norovirus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis, often referred to as stomach flu, characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, and inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
At the time of the outbreak, the Ruby Princess was carrying over 3,000 passengers and approximately 1,144 crew members. In response, Princess Cruises and ship personnel intensified cleaning and disinfection measures in accordance with established outbreak prevention protocols. Ill individuals were isolated, stool samples collected for testing, and the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program was consulted throughout the process.
The voyage began June 12 in San Francisco, with the ship returning there Thursday after completing the 20-day trip. This marks one of seven cruise ship outbreaks reported to the CDC so far this year, five of which have been attributed to norovirus.
Princess Cruises has been contacted for further comment.