April 14, 2015 — Over 200 people aboard two cruise ships docked in San Diego, California have likely been infected with Norovirus, a highly-contagious virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting.
It is the third illness outbreak on a cruise ship reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) this month. The two cruise ships in San Diego include:
- Celebrity Cruises:: At least 106 of 2117 (5%) of passengers aboard the Celebrity Infinity cruise ship (voyage dates March 29 – April 13) infected with Norovirus.
- Royal Caribbean Cruise Line: At least 114 of 1762 (6.53%) of passengers aboard the Legend of the Seas cruise ship (voyage dates March 30 – April 14) infected with an unknown illness that caused diarrhea and vomiting.
Both of the cruise lines have implemented procedures to clean and disinfect the ship. The CDC Vessel Sanitation Program boarded the ships yesterday and today to do an environmental health assessment, evaluate the outbreak, and check response activities.
Norovirus Cruise Ship Outbreaks
Norovirus is responsible for over 90% of diarrheal disease outbreaks on cruise ships. The CDC keeps tabs on outbreaks where more than 3% of passengers or crew report illness.
The ongoing outbreaks are an indicator of just how difficult it is to control Norovirus on a cruise ship, where thousands of people eat at communal buffets and share tight living quarters.
The virus can be found in stools before causing symptoms of infection, and for up to two weeks after the person feels better. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and body aches for 1-3 days.
Do I have a Cruise Ship Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting cruise ship induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with norovirus, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Disease Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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