The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently revealed that nearly 100 people have fallen sick on board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, which was out for a 13-day voyage. The Norovirus outbreak occurred on the Serenade of the Seas, which departed from San Diego on September 19. According to the CDC, 94 guests and four crew members reported symptoms similar to that of norovirus, including vomiting and diarrhoea, by September 28.
After the ship docked at the Miami Port, the passengers onboard were asked to disembark early. This was done so that the crew could begin a full sanitation and sterilisation of the ship.
While speaking to NBC Miami, a passenger revealed, “My symptoms started throughout the day, and I started feeling really funny in my stomach. It only lasted like 36-48 hours. It was all good because they gave you free room service and they took good care of you.”
What Is Norovirus?
Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus that can cause stomach flu. It spreads through contaminated food, surfaces and direct contact with infected people. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach cramps.
Dehydration is a major risk once you are infected with this virus as the body loses fluids during this time. This can also cause dizziness, dry mouth and reduced urination.
Symptoms Of Norovirus
Symptoms of norovirus include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- A headache
- Fever
- Body aches
Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and last one to three days.
How Do You Get Norovirus?
You can get the norovirus infection in many ways, including.
- Close contact with someone who has the virus.
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose.
- Eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages.
Preventive Measure That You Need To Take
Since norovirus spreads quickly in crowded places like cruise ships, here are some ways to protect yourself:
- Wash Your Hands Often: Make sure you use soap and water regularly, especially before eating or touching your face.
- Avoid Close Contact with Sick People: Stay away from those showing symptoms.
- Sanitize Surfaces: Wipe down tables, door handles, and other frequently touched areas.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water if you feel unwell to avoid dehydration.
- Be Careful With Food: Eat freshly prepared food and avoid sharing utensils or drinks.
