The Ruby Princess cruise ship has been placed on lockdown off the coast of California near San Francisco following a norovirus outbreak that has infected more than 120 passengers and crew members. The outbreak occurred during the ship’s 20-day voyage which began on June 12, with 102 of the 3,032 passengers and 20 crew members showing symptoms of the highly contagious vomiting bug by July 2.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the situation remotely, including reviewing the ship’s sanitation response to the outbreak.
Swift Sanitation Response
Princess Cruises has intensified cleaning and disinfection efforts aboard the Ruby Princess. Passengers and crew showing symptoms have been isolated, and sanitation protocols are being strictly enforced to prevent further spread of the virus. Samples have been collected from symptomatic individuals as part of the ongoing health response.
Details Of The Voyage
The Ruby Princess departed San Francisco on June 12 for a 20-day cruise with planned stops in Alaska and British Columbia. The illness outbreak was first reported on June 28, leading the ship to return early to the US on July 2 to implement containment and cleanup measures.
Norovirus Explained
Norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, causes sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. It spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces, food, water, or infected individuals. Symptoms typically resolve within around two days, but people can remain infectious for 48 hours after symptoms stop.
Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, while other signs can include fever, headache, and body aches. Health experts recommend staying hydrated, resting, and avoiding public places until fully recovered to reduce the risk of transmission.
Ongoing Health Monitoring
Princess Cruises stated, “Princess Cruises can confirm a limited number of guests reported mild gastrointestinal illness during the June 12 voyage. Our crew responded promptly with enhanced sanitation protocols and cases have since decreased and remain low.”
The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program continues to monitor the Ruby Princess remotely, ensuring all outbreak and sanitation procedures are effectively implemented.
Originally published by UKNIP.
