Another nightmare at sea is grabbing national attention after a major gastrointestinal outbreak reportedly swept through the Caribbean Princess, leaving more than 100 passengers and crew members violently ill during a two-week voyage through the Caribbean.
Federal health officials say the outbreak involved norovirus, an extremely contagious illness infamous for tearing through cruise ships, schools, nursing homes, and other crowded environments at alarming speed. The virus attacks the digestive system and triggers sudden vomiting, severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and dehydration.
Unlike influenza, norovirus is not related to the flu, despite commonly being referred to as the “stomach flu.” The illness spreads rapidly through contaminated food, water, shared surfaces, and even close human contact. Symptoms can hit fast and hard, often lasting several days before subsiding.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vessel Sanitation Program, a staggering 102 of the ship’s 3,116 passengers reportedly became sick during the current voyage. Another 13 crew members also suffered symptoms linked to the outbreak.
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