Topic: Norovirus's sick reign of terror

Norovirus has continued to wreak havoc on cruise ships this year, with hundreds of passengers being hit by the gruesome bug.

Although many have jumped down the throats of the cruise operators, experts say the virus has not been confined to cabins out on the ocean and has increased rapidly on dry land.

According to an article in CNN, the Department of Health and Environmental Control in South Carolina, whose port last week welcomed the latest returning norovirus-stricken vessel, reported more than twice the number of norovirus incidents since January.

The news provider reveals that a total of 40 independent outbreaks were reported by February 24th, compared to just 15 the previous year.

Jaret Ames, branch chief of the Vessel Sanitation Program, told the news provider: "You can see [norovirus increases] right now shore side, from the East to the West Coast, from other countries and we have a new strain."

He said norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships don't necessarily correlate with the cleanliness and sanitation scores of the liners and passengers themselves are more likely carriers.

The latest comments come after more than 400 passengers fell ill during a voyage to the Caribbean while on board Celebrity Cruise Line's, the Celebrity Mercury.

Have you had any encounters with norovirus? Has it deterred you from any cruise holiday plans?

QUOTE:

Have you had any encounters with norovirus? Has it deterred you from any cruise holiday plans?

I work in a school with 7,500 students and over 300 staff. Norovirus gets us every year. The run-down and stressed succumbe most, such as students burning the candle at both ends and often older staff who have other health problems.

Often staff are well enough to work during term time and then become ill (not just norovirus) in half term breaks. As though the body goes through the daily grind and then when there's time to relax the bugs get us. Seems very unfair.

Judith

QUOTE:

Norovirus has continued to wreak havoc on cruise ships this year, with hundreds of passengers being hit by the gruesome bug.

Although many have jumped down the throats of the cruise operators, experts say the virus has not been confined to cabins out on the ocean and has increased rapidly on dry land.

According to an article in CNN, the Department of Health and Environmental Control in South Carolina, whose port last week welcomed the latest returning norovirus-stricken vessel, reported more than twice the number of norovirus incidents since January.

The news provider reveals that a total of 40 independent outbreaks were reported by February 24th, compared to just 15 the previous year.

Jaret Ames, branch chief of the Vessel Sanitation Program, told the news provider: "You can see [norovirus increases] right now shore side, from the East to the West Coast, from other countries and we have a new strain."

He said norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships don't necessarily correlate with the cleanliness and sanitation scores of the liners and passengers themselves are more likely carriers.

The latest comments come after more than 400 passengers fell ill during a voyage to the Caribbean while on board Celebrity Cruise Line's, the Celebrity Mercury.

Have you had any encounters with norovirus? Has it deterred you from any cruise holiday plans?

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The dreaded was brought on board Ocean Village during our cruise last month. We were told that 23 passengers from a Manchester flight were infected. How? No idea but it was dealt with swiftly and didn't spoil our cruise.
Since arriving home, I've heard of many incidents of Norovirus amongst family and friends. Just one of those things we have to deal with.

Yes had the damn virus on the Costa Serena in January along with many other passengers but although the sickness and tummy ache is there it only lasted a few days albeit after staying in my cabin ( I had no energy to go anywhere or eat anything) I felt better but kept away from public areas. It did put me off cruises as first time in 55 cruises I have been ill ( apart from sea sickness years back),
Sadly some passengers nowadays seem to have odd hygiene standards despite the warnings from the cruiseline. This Nora virus has swept over the UK at schools and hospitals as well this winter and apparently caused havoc in places. Its a shame the cruise lines get all the bad publicity.

I need to contact anyone who has been on Ocean Village during the Noro Virus outbreak on the Barbados start cruises. Urgently please

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I need to contact anyone who has been on Ocean Village during the Noro Virus outbreak on the Barbados start cruises. Urgently please

Can you be a bit more specific? What dates are you looking at and why?