In a recent development, a health crisis has unfolded on the Queen Victoria, a cruise ship operated by Cunard Cruise Line. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that at least 154 individuals on board are suffering from symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. The cause of this widespread illness, which has affected both passengers and crew members, remains unknown.
The Queen Victoria set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 22, and is scheduled to dock in Honolulu on February 12. The ship carries 1,824 passengers and 967 crew members. The number of those affected by the illness has risen by 15 since the initial report on February 1, with 129 passengers and 25 crew members now reporting symptoms.
In response to the outbreak, Cunard Cruise Line has ramped up cleaning and disinfection procedures as part of its outbreak prevention and response plan. The company is also isolating ill passengers and crew members and keeping everyone on board informed about the situation.
The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program is closely monitoring the situation and reviewing the ship’s outbreak response and sanitation procedures. Cunard Cruise Line has confirmed the illness outbreak and stated that they have activated their enhanced health and safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of all guests and crew on board.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vessel Sanitation Program?
The Vessel Sanitation Program is a program by the CDC that assists the cruise ship industry to prevent and control the introduction, transmission, and spread of gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships.
What is a gastrointestinal disease?
Gastrointestinal diseases refer to diseases involving the gastrointestinal tract, namely the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and rectum, and the accessory organs of digestion, the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
What is an outbreak prevention and response plan?
An outbreak prevention and response plan is a set of procedures that organizations put in place to prevent the occurrence of diseases and to respond effectively when they occur. This includes measures such as increased cleaning and disinfection, isolation of affected individuals, and communication strategies to keep everyone informed.
What are the symptoms of the illness reported on the Queen Victoria?
The reported symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. The exact cause of the illness is currently unknown.
