Norovirus horror on Queen Mary 2: Over 200 sick!

Norovirus horror on Queen Mary 2: Over 200 sick!

On the cruise ship "Queen Mary 2", a Norovirus outbreak has been found that affected more than 200 people. According to OE24 of which are 224 out of a total of 2538 passengers and 17 crew members. The first symptoms were reported after a stopover in New York at the end of March.

noroviren are known for spreading quickly in closed environments and infect up to 21 million people in the United States every year. The typical symptoms that occurred in the affected passengers include diarrhea and vomiting. This corresponds to the usual manifestations of the virus, which can occur within 1-2 days after the infection and typically last 1-3 days.

response to the outbreak

The crew of the ship reacted immediately by insulating the sick people and carrying out extensive disinfection measures. According to ftnnews , the guests are still monitored, and additional hygiene measures are implemented by further spreading of the To prevent virus.

The "Queen Mary 2" is the flagship of Cunard Lines and is one of the largest ocean lines. The ship started its trip on March 8 and is on a 29-day Caribbean cruise. The return to Southampton is planned for April 6th. In the past few weeks, the ship has lodged several stops in the eastern Caribbean, including in St. Maarten, St. Lucia and Barbados.

background to Norovirus

Norovirus is one of the most common causes of gastrointestinal diseases worldwide. In the United States, there have been an average of 20 Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships in recent years. The Cruise Guide points out that the virus is transmitted by contact with infected persons, contaminated foods or surfaces.

The disease can be particularly dangerous for children, older people or people with a weakened immune system who are at risk from loss of fluid. There is no special treatment or vaccination against Norovirus; The therapy mainly consists of liquid intake and calm.

The situation that has occurred once again shows how quickly diseases can spread in closed rooms and how much travelers can be affected. Cunard has had to struggle with similar outbreaks in the past, and the company increasingly strengthens its efforts to prevent infectious diseases on its ships.