Mystery Illness Aboard Royal Caribbean Ship Investigated by CDC

• Over 140 people reported illness on Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Affected travelers experienced vomiting and abdominal cramps.
• The CDC is investigating the potential outbreak cause.
• Royal Caribbean intensified cleanliness protocols following the outbreak.
• Norovirus is the most common cause of gastrointestinal illness at sea.

Investigation Underway into Cruise Ship Illness

Mystery illness strikes passengers aboard Royal Caribbean ship. Over 140 vacationers, including 134 passengers and seven crew members, reported symptoms like vomiting and abdominal cramps following their voyage. This cruise, onboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, embarked from Los Angeles and headed to Mexico before returning to port on July 11.

Cruise Line Takes Action to Ensure Safety

In response to the outbreak, Royal Caribbean has intensified its cleaning protocols and has already started isolating affected individuals. A representative from Royal Caribbean Group was clear about their stance: “The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority.” They also emphasized their commitment to rigorous cleaning practices that often surpass standard public health guidelines. Meanwhile, the CDC is collecting laboratory samples to identify the specific pathogen causing this illness outbreak.

CDC Warns About Common Norovirus Risks

The CDC is treating this outbreak seriously, noting that the symptoms presented suggest acute gastroenteritis (AGE). AGE typically involves multiple cases of loose stools or vomiting and can occur with additional symptoms such as muscle ache and headache. Historically, norovirus remains the primary culprit for gastric illness outbreaks in cruise settings. As of this year alone, the CDC has tracked 18 similar outbreaks on cruise ships, predominantly due to norovirus. This coincidence adds urgency to the CDC’s investigation as they await test results to verify the causative agent. Meanwhile, norovirus continues to present a broader risk as it also spreads in various settings, including schools and restaurants, constituting around 2,500 reported outbreaks annually in the U.S.

In light of a troubling outbreak of illness during a recent cruise, over 140 individuals reported various symptoms after returning from a Royal Caribbean voyage. The company is proactively isolating affected individuals and increasing cleaning measures while the CDC works to identify the source of the illness. With norovirus being the most common cause of such outbreaks, the investigation remains crucial for public health and safety.