Norovirus confirmed as etiology of ‘Explorer of the Seas’ outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now confirmed the etiological agent of the outbreak that caused gastrointestinal illness in nearly 700 passengers and crew onboard the Royal Caribbean vessel, “Explorer of the Seas”, according to a Vessel Sanitation Program update Jan. 31.
To nobody’s surprise, the causative agent has been confirmed as norovirus, although the federal health agency has yet to pinpoint the source of the virus, and said it’s quite possible a source won’t be identified, according to a media advisory Friday
The outbreak sickened hundreds making the Explorer of the Seas is one of the worst in decades.
On Thursday, Princess Cruise Lines, “Caribbean Princess” reported a confirmed outbreak of norovirus, which sickened some 192 passengers and crew (updated).
The CDC says most outbreaks of norovirus happen when infected people spread the virus to others. But, norovirus can also spread by consuming contaminated food or water and touching things that have the virus on them.
Over half of all norovirus outbreaks reported in the United States occur in long-term care facilities.
Outbreaks of norovirus illness have also occurred in restaurants, schools, banquet halls, summer camps, cruise ships, and even at family dinners. These are all places where people often eat food handled or prepared by others.
In fact, norovirus is the leading cause of illness from contaminated food in the United States. About 50% of all outbreaks of food-related illness are caused by norovirus.
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