The outbreak came shortly after another cruise-linked health scare involving hantavirus aboard the expedition ship MV Hondius, drawing attention to how different viral infections can spread in enclosed travel settings.
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is one of the most common causes of vomiting, diarrhoea and foodborne illnesses worldwide. The CDC describes it as the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhoea in the United States.
The virus spreads easily through contaminated food or water, infected surfaces and close contact with infected people. Because it can survive on surfaces for long periods, outbreaks can spread rapidly in crowded environments.
Symptoms usually appear within 12-48 hours and may include vomiting, watery diarrhoea, nausea, stomach cramps, mild fever and body aches.
Most people recover within 1-3 days, although dehydration can become serious for elderly people, children and those with weak immune systems.
What happened on the Caribbean Princess cruise?
The Caribbean Princess departed Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on April 29 and is scheduled to arrive at Port Canaveral on May 11.
During the voyage, passengers began reporting gastrointestinal symptoms. According to the CDC, diarrhoea and vomiting were the most commonly reported issues.
Princess Cruises said affected passengers and crew members were isolated while enhanced cleaning and sanitisation measures were carried out across the ship. Stool samples were also collected for testing.
The ship is expected to undergo extensive disinfection before its next voyage.
Why are cruise ships vulnerable to norovirus outbreaks?
Cruise ships are considered highly vulnerable to norovirus because large numbers of passengers share dining halls, cabins, washrooms and recreational spaces for several days.
As reported by News18, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan said norovirus can survive on surfaces even after routine cleaning, making outbreaks difficult to contain.
“It just sticks to surfaces and you can’t get it off easily,” he said, adding that stronger disinfection measures are often needed to eliminate the virus.
Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships are not uncommon. In March, more than 150 passengers aboard another Princess Cruises vessel, the Star Princess, reportedly fell ill due to the virus.
How is norovirus different from hantavirus?
While both are viral infections, norovirus and hantavirus spread very differently and carry different health risks.
Norovirus spreads mainly through contaminated food, water, surfaces and infected people. It is highly contagious and can infect large groups quickly, especially in enclosed spaces like cruise ships.
Hantavirus, however, is usually linked to rodents and spreads through exposure to infected rodent urine, saliva or droppings. It does not typically spread through casual human contact.
ALSO READ | Public risk from hantavirus remains low, says WHO DG Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Dr Jayadevan said certain hantavirus strains can affect the lungs and lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory illness that may require oxygen support and intensive care.
Doctors say norovirus is more contagious, while hantavirus is rarer but can become more dangerous in severe cases involving lung complications.
ALSO READ | Antarctica’s tourism boom raises concerns about contamination and disease
