Norovirus Outbreak Sickens 115 Aboard Florida-Bound Cruise Ship

More than 100 people have fallen ill in a norovirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship that departed from Port Everglades and is scheduled to return to Florida soon, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Sierra Rains reported for The Hill.

The Caribbean Princess cruise ship sails near Florida after a norovirus outbreak sickened more than 100 people onboard. (Photo: Gareth James, Wikimedia Commons)

The Caribbean Princess departed Port Everglades on April 28 and is expected to return to Port Canaveral on May 11, according to Cruise Mapper.

As of Thursday, May 7, 102 passengers and 13 crew members had reported symptoms of illness, the CDC said. Those affected experienced common norovirus symptoms, including diarrhea and vomiting.

Norovirus is highly contagious and is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the US, according to the CDC.

The virus spreads quickly through infected individuals, contaminated food or water, and contaminated surfaces.

Most people develop symptoms within 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Other commonly reported symptoms include stomach pain, headaches, and fever.

The CDC said Princess Cruises responded by intensifying cleaning procedures aboard the ship and isolating sick passengers and crew members. The number of sick passengers represents about 3.3% of the ship’s 3,116 passengers.