Norovirus Nightmare: 125 Fall Ill on Ruby Princess Cruise as Virus Spreads Like Wildfire On Board
- More than 120 passengers and crew members infected with highly contagious norovirus on 20-day Princess Cruises voyage
- Outbreak reported to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Saturday, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain
- Ship’s crew scrambled to contain outbreak, implementing enhanced sanitation protocols, but not before virus spread to 102 passengers and 23 crew members
- This is not the first time the Ruby Princess has been hit by a viral outbreak, with a devastating COVID-19 outbreak on board in March 2020 resulting in 28 deaths
The Ruby Princess, a luxury cruise liner, was supposed to be a haven for its 3,032 passengers and 1,144 crew members on a 20-day round trip journey from San Francisco to Canada and Alaska.
But the voyage turned into a nightmare when a highly contagious norovirus outbreak spread like wildfire on board, infecting 125 people.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak was reported on Saturday, with 102 passengers and 23 crew members falling ill.
The virus, which is often spread by food or on surfaces, particularly in crowded conditions, caused symptoms including sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain that can last three days.
The outbreak on the Ruby Princess is not an isolated incident. In fact, it’s the seventh illness outbreak reported on a cruise ship in the CDC’s jurisdiction this year, with most being caused by norovirus.
The virus is a short-lived illness for many people, but can be dangerous for those with underlying health conditions, young children and those aged 65 and older.
The Ruby Princess has a history of viral outbreaks.
In March 2020, the vessel was at the centre of a devastating COVID-19 outbreak that resulted in 28 deaths and 663 positive cases among passengers.
The outbreak was so severe that the voyage was cut short after just 11 days, as Australia shut its borders in a bid to contain the spread of the virus.
So, what can be done to prevent norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships? According to the CDC, washing hands frequently is key, especially after using the bathroom or before eating and drinking.
Using soap and water, and scrubbing and washing for at least 20 seconds, is essential. Hand sanitiser alone is not effective against norovirus.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The norovirus outbreak on the Ruby Princess has serious implications for Australia’s cruise industry. With the country’s borders now open, there is a risk of the virus spreading to other ships and even onshore.
The incident highlights the need for enhanced sanitation protocols and strict hygiene measures on cruise ships, as well as the importance of passengers and crew taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus.
Law enforcement insiders warn that the outbreak could have been prevented with better hygiene practices and more stringent health checks on board. “Cruise ships are breeding grounds for norovirus,” said one insider.
“It’s a ticking time bomb waiting to happen.”
Industry observers believe that the incident will have a significant impact on the cruise industry, with many passengers likely to think twice before booking a cruise.
“This is a wake-up call for the industry,” said one observer. “Cruise lines need to take a long, hard look at their health and safety protocols to prevent incidents like this from happening again.”
