The romantic urge to the sunset with a luxury lining on the high seas can currently easily mean passage to breaking diarrhea. “Norovirus outbursts cause unrest on cruise ships worldwide,” warned the German Center for Reise Medicine (CRM) on Wednesday.
“By the beginning of May, 14 outbreaks of the highly contagious gastrointestinal disorders have already been registered on Cruises-Bijna as much as in the previous year,” the experts said. The best antidote is targeted hygiene measures.
Noroviruses have ideal conditions on cruise ships
“If you go on a cruise, you must be aware that noroviruses will find ideal requirements for fast distribution under the circumstances on board – such as where many people come together in a narrow space,” Tomas Jelineek, scientific director of the CRM, emphasized. Noroviruses are highly contagious. Time and again outbreaks are also registered in Austria, for example in schools and community facilities. The infection waves start suddenly. Diarrhea, vomiting etc. quickly “row” and then disappear again.
After the infection, the disease usually occurs quickly, usually between six hours and two days. The affected are highly contagious. A relatively large number of pathogens with the chair is excreted to about 48 hours after the symptoms have disappeared. The problem: but even up to two weeks or even longer, can spread the viruses sick and are still contagious, even if vomiting and diarrhea have long disappeared.
Current situation
According to the “Vessel Sanitation Program” of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 16 outbreaks of gastrointestinal diseases were already reported on cruise ships until the registration date 5 May 14, including 14 by Norovirusen. For comparison: there were 18 outbreaks in 2024. The “Queen Mary 2” with 266 sick passengers registered the biggest outbreak this year on a Caribbean cruise.
No approved vaccine
So far there is only a really good counter measure: hygiene. “Good hand hygiene is the most important protection – especially after the toilet and before eating,” said the German expert. An approved vaccine against noroviruses has not yet existed.
“Various clinical studies are underway, but prevention remains crucial until an effective vaccine is used,” said Jelineek. “Hand hygiene is essential, but you also have to internalize travelers, especially on cruises,” Jelineek emphasized. “With simple but consistent hand hygiene, the personal risk of infection can be considerably reduced – at sea and on land.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
