Image by Jörg Hamel from Pixabay
Two foodborne cruise outbreaks recently hit the news this year. One on Royal Caribbean’s International ship Radiance of the Seas and another on P&O Cruise’s ship Arcadia.
Foodborne illness can rapidly spread on cruise ships. Between confined quarters, concentrations of people, and food stocked only at ports, it can add up to widespread gastrointestinal disaster if it begins to spread.
In fact, germ norovirus has even been referred to as the “cruise ship virus.”
Here’s what we know about the recent foodborne cruise outbreaks and what you can do to protect yourself the next time you sail.
Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Sea’s 7 Night Alaska Experience provided a not-so-great experience for some of its passengers. Departing on September 20, 2024 and returning on September 27, 2024, the cruise included 6 port destinations.
Reports of 180 passengers of the 2,172 on board (8.29%) reported symptoms of gastrointestinal illness consistent with foodborne illnesses.
Additionally, three of the 894 crew members also reported symptoms.
Common symptoms included diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, and muscle aches.
In response to the outbreak, staff enacted outbreak protocols.
These activities included notifying passengers and crew of the cluster of illnesses and encouraging reporting illnesses. Stool specimens from those who were sick were tested and increased cleaning and disinfection procedures as part of the outbreak response plan were performed.
Salmonella bacteria were identified in patient samples.
Salmonella is a bacteria responsible for the illness salmonellosis. Contaminated food is the most common source of this illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 1.35 million people become infected with the bacteria each year.
Common symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea (that may be bloody), fever, and stomach cramps. In addition to one or more of those common symptoms, some people may also experience nausea, vomiting, or a headache.
Salmonella illness usually begins within six hours to six days from consuming something contaminated with the germ and resolves within a week.
In general, normally healthy individuals do not need medical care to fully recover. However, in some situations, symptoms may be so severe that medical intervention is needed. These severe symptoms can lead to life-threatening complications.
Call a doctor if:
P&O Cruise’s Arcadia was a 30-day, round trip voyage from Southhampton, England to the USA and Canada. This month long trip began on September 3, 2024 with a return date of October 3, 2024. Some passengers got an unforgettable experience.
Reports of at least 128 of the 1,959 passengers (5.57%) on board reported symptoms.
Of the 799 crew on board, at least 19 also reported symptoms.
Common symptoms included diarrhea and vomiting
In response to the outbreak, staff enacted outbreak protocols.
These activities included notifying passengers and crew of the cluster of illnesses and encouraging reporting illnesses. Stool specimens from those who were sick were tested and increased cleaning and disinfection procedures as part of the outbreak response plan were performed.
Norovirus was identified in sick patient samples.
Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrheal illness in the United States. Foodborne illness is the most common cause of norovirus infection.
Common symptoms of norovirus infection include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and/or stomach pain around 12 to 48 hours after being exposed. Some people may also experience fever, headache, and body aches.
Dehydration is a serous concern with norovirus illness that can lead to life-threatening complications. Get medical care right away if you have decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, or feel dizzy upon standing. Children may be more sleepy or fussy than usual or cry with few or no tears.
If you have certain health conditions such as those that affect your immune system, take medication to reduce stomach acid, or are over 65 years of age, consult your healthcare provider discuss your risk factors prior to booking your trip.
Follow these easy tips to reduce your risk of falling sick.
Washing your hands is one of the best ways to reduce your chances of becoming sick with a foodborne illness aboard a cruise ship.
Be sure to wash your hands before you eat anything, smoke, or put your hands in your mouth. Wash your hands after using the bathroom or helping someone in the bathroom and avoid touching surfaces with your clean hands. Use a paper towel or your foot to open doors in case others have not washed their hands.
Take care of your body and it will help take care of you. Getting plenty of rest helps to rebuild your immune system and keep it in tip top shape. Drinking plenty of water keeps you hydrated and reduces the risk of dehydration if you do become sick.
If you see someone get sick (e.g. vomiting or diarrhea), you will want to leave the area immediately. Coming in contact with a sick person’s vomit or diarrhea may spread the illness.
Leave the area and report the situation to cruise staff.
During your voyage, call the ship’s medical facility as soon as possible and follow the medical staff’s recommendations.
If you have become sick in one of these cruise ship outbreaks or another voyage and wish to make a legal claim, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has foodborne illness lawyers that can help.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no obligation consultation today!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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