Nearly 200 sick in norovirus outbreaks on 2 cruises, including Tampa-based ship

Katlyn Brieskorn
·1 min read
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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a norovirus outbreak on two cruise ships, including one that sailed out of Tampa.

The CDC reported a norovirus outbreak on Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas, which sailed from Tampa to Los Angeles from April 8 to April 22, CruiseMapper showed. According to the CDC, 67 of 1,993 passengers and two crew members reported being ill during the voyage.

On Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess, the CDC said 94 of 2,532 passengers and 29 crew members reported being ill during an April 5 cruise. According to CruiseMapper, the ship left Los Angeles with stops in Hawaii and the South Pacific and is set to end on May 7.

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“At the first sign of an increase in the numbers of passengers reporting to the medical center with gastrointestinal illness, we immediately initiated additional enhanced sanitization procedures to interrupt the person-to-person spread of this virus,” A spokesperson from Princess Cruises told WFLA.com. “Our sanitization program, includes disinfection measures, isolation of ill passengers and communication to passengers about steps they can take to stay well while onboard.”

WFLA reached out to Royal Caribbean but has not heard back.

The CDC said diarrhea and vomiting were the main symptoms in both outbreaks. Norovirus is “very contagious” and can infect anyone.

The CDC said you can follow the following tips to protect yourself and others from norovirus:

  • Wash your hands often

  • Rinse fruits and vegetables

  • Cook shellfish thoroughly

  • Stay home when sick and for two days after symptoms stop

  • Avoid preparing food for others when sick and for two days after symptoms stop

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