Because the world emerges from the pandemic, the cruise trade is experiencing a resurgence in demand. Whereas final summer season’s departures provided beneficiant elbow room for passengers, this yr tells a unique story. Cruise traces reported occupancy ranges surpassing 100% within the first quarter of 2023, indicating a major rebound.
Nevertheless, as vacationers attempt to get in some relaxation and rest, there’s been an unexpected consequence: an alarming improve in norovirus outbreaks on board. Yr-to-date, there have been 13 outbreaks of norovirus on cruise ships, based on the CDC, the very best quantity since 2012. The outbreaks have occurred throughout six completely different cruise traces.
The most recent occasion was on a Viking Cruise — which sailed from June 6 to June 20 — the place 110 passengers and 9 crew members contracted the sickness, based on the company. Shockingly, these affected by the virus accounted for practically 15% of the whole onboard inhabitants, making it the most important proportion of people affected by norovirus this yr.
In 2022, simply two outbreaks of norovirus have been reported to the CDC. Even when in comparison with pre-pandemic ranges, the variety of outbreaks in 2019 was eight for the whole yr — a determine that 2023 has already surpassed with 5 months nonetheless remaining.
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Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious illnesses on the Vanderbilt College Medical Middle, defined to The Wall Avenue Journal that norovirus is very contagious and thrives within the enclosed surroundings of a cruise ship.
“The alternatives for shut person-to-person unfold are so intense on a cruise ship that after this virus is launched into that inhabitants, it has many, many alternatives to unfold,” Schaffner warned.
To forestall norovirus transmission, the CDC recommends that people prioritize thorough hand washing with cleaning soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, particularly after utilizing the lavatory, altering diapers, and earlier than consuming or dealing with meals. The company additionally cautions that hand sanitizer “doesn’t work properly in opposition to norovirus.”
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