Stomach Bug Outbreak On Cruise Ship Affects 195 Passengers

Approximately 200 passengers aboard a luxury cruise ship were being treated for gastrointestinal illness during the 14 days it sailed from Singapore to Australia. The Ovation of the Seas arrived in Hobart, in Tasmania, Australia, Tuesday and was due to leave the dock the same afternoon.

The crusie liner, which is one of the largest luxury ships in the world, is owned by Royal Caribbean International (RCI). It was carrying more than 5,800 people. Reports said 195 people were hit by a vomiting and diarrhea bug in the 14 days of its cruise. The number accounts to more than three percent of the guests and crew on board.

The RCI said the ship would be cleaned and sanitized at length once it reaches its next port in Sydney on Thursday, according to a report in the Australian. The next passengers would be allowed boarding only after the ship was thoroughly cleaned.

Mark Veitch, Director of Public Health, Tasmania, said five people from the ship were rushed to the hospital. However, it was not confirmed if they were suffering from the gastrointestinal illness.

The RCI released a statement, which said, “Those affected by the short-lived illness were treated by our ship’s doctors with over-the-counter medication, and we hope all our guests feel better quickly,” according to the ABC News Australia.

The statement added, “Meanwhile, we’re taking steps like intensive sanitary procedures to minimize the risk of any further issues. … In addition, crew have undertaken enhanced cleaning practices throughout the cruise, including significantly increasing the already regular sanitization of hand touch surfaces such as door handles, railings and elevator buttons. We communicate well established educational hand hygiene practices to all passengers and crew," the Metro U.K. reported.

The RCI said as a standard procedure, before the passengers go aboard, they are given a form asking if they had any gastrointestinal symptoms in the last three days. If any guests confirm the same, they would be provided with medication so that the illness doesn’t spread.

The statement confirmed, “Upon arrival into port in Sydney, the ship and terminal will be comprehensively sanitized and cleansed to help prevent the spread of illness, resulting in a delay to boarding for new guests.”

A spokesperson from the Tasmanian Health Service, said, “It is not unusual for gastroenteritis outbreaks to occur aboard cruise ships, just as it is within the normal population.

“Cruise ships have their own medical teams, medical surveillance systems, outbreak control measures and are well-trained in treating passengers. Three ambulances greeted the ship when it docked in Hobart. The ship has notified health services of two passengers that are likely to require transfer to a hospital for medical assistance. … These two cases are not necessarily linked to the gastroenteritis outbreak.”

A passenger posted a video on Facebook that showed the crew members cleaning the hallways to prevent further spread of the illness.