Virus hits cruise ship twice

US health officials said the ship should delay its next scheduled departure and remain in port in Florida for a thorough cleaning. In addition, two doctors and 45 extra cleaning staff will be on the ship when it leaves for its next voyage. The departure is scheduled for Tuesday, the Associated Press reported.

On the latest cruise, 97 passengers and 11 crew members became ill due to norovirus. On the previous voyage, more than 380 passengers and crew were sickened by the same virus. The ship was cleaned after that cruise.

Another cruise ship, Princess Cruises' Sun Princess, also had an outbreak of illness. When the vessel docked at Port Everglades, Florida, on Sunday, it had 97 sick passengers. Cleaning crews were scouring the ship, the AP reported.

Norovirus - a group of viruses that can cause stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea - can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or through contaminated food or liquids. – (HealthDayNews)

December 2006