Norovirus alarm: cruise ships from outbreaks!

Norovirus alarm: cruise ships from outbreaks!

Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships are causing unrest and alarming both travelers and health experts worldwide. By the beginning of May 2025, the Centrum for Reise Medicine (CRM) registered a total of 14 outbreaks of gastrointestinal disease on such ships, which almost corresponds to the number of outbreaks throughout the previous year. The American Vessel Sanitation Program of the CDC reported a total of 16 outbreaks of gastrointestinal diseases by May 5, 2025, whereby 14 were caused by Noroviruses. The biggest outbreak this year occurred on the "Queen Mary 2", where 266 passengers suffered.

The conditions on board cruise ships are ideal for the rapid spread of Noroviruses. According to Tomas Jelinek, the scientific director of the CRM, narrow spaces and large crowds of people are factors that increase the risk of infection. Symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting often occur within six hours to two days after the infection, which makes the situation on board particularly dangerous.

hygiene is the key to prevention

experts recommend targeted hygiene measures to prevent infections. Head hygiene comes first. It is particularly important to wash your hands thoroughly after the toilet and before eating. On May 5, the WHO is reminiscent of the importance of hand hygiene, especially in healthcare and for travelers on cruises. The CRM warns of a rapid spread of the virus and advises vacationers to increase caution.

So far there is no approved vaccine against Noroviruses, but clinical studies are running that have hoped for progress in future vaccine development. The marketing measures of the shipping companies on hygiene and security on board are therefore particularly important to protect travelers and strengthen trust in cruises. The high infection rate of the Norovirus requires urgent attention, since a small amount of the virus is sufficient to infect others.

summary of incidents

Overall, this development makes it clear how important preventive measures are in the current high season for cruises. Travelers should be concerned, but also well informed and prepared to protect themselves and others. For more information on the situation of Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships, read the articles on OE24, [German health portal] (https://www.deutschesgesundheitportal.de/2025/07/02/norovirus-infections-auf-kreuzfahrifungen-wie-sich-reisende-schuetzen-koennen [KURIER] (https://kurier.at/gesund/norovirus-kreuzfahrt-schiff-hygiene- anlung-chutz-tips/403054815).