Nothing disrupts a cruise ship vacation like one outbreak of disease — but by taking the right preventative measures you can help reduce the risk of seafarer's illness.
In the most recent report on illness on cruise ships, about 25 passengers returning from a cruise began feeling nauseous and nauseous toward the end of the month. a flight last week.
“CDC is aware of a flight from Vancouver, British Columbia, that arrived at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Friday, May 31,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in an emailed statement shared with Fox News Digital about United Flight 1528.
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“Public health officials from CDC's Houston Port Health Station worked with EMS to evaluate sick passengers on board.”
According to multiple reports, of the 163 passengers on the plane, 75 were on the same cruise.
Nothing disrupts a cruise ship vacation like a disease outbreak, but taking certain preventative measures can help reduce the risk of seasickness. (iStock)
“Out of an abundance of caution, the aircraft will be removed from service and undergo a thorough cleaning before returning to service,” United Airlines told Fox News Digital in an emailed statement.
Most sick passengers reported mild complaints gastrointestinal symptomsthe CDC noted, but no one had a fever during the flight or during physical exams.
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“No passengers met CDC criteria for further public health follow-up,” the CDC said. “Passengers on the flight continued with their travel plans.”
Neither the CDC nor United Airlines specified which cruise line was involved.
The most common illnesses on cruise ships, according to the CDC, are respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal infections and other vaccine-preventable diseases. (iStock)
The sick passengers may have taken a cruise on Royal Caribbean International's Radiance of the Seas, as it was the only ship docking in Vancouver on the day of the flight, according to Cruise Radio, an organization that provides breaking cruise news.
According to the CDC, the ship had a confirmed outbreak of norovirus between April 8 and 22.
Additional outbreaks on cruise ships
The CDC has reported seven outbreaks Cruise ships this year – including Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Summit, which sailed from May 24 to 31.
About 68 passengers and five crew members on that ship reported diarrhea and vomiting during the cruise.
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Nearly all seven outbreaks were linked to norovirus, which has historically caused outbreaks of stomach pain and diarrhea on cruise ships.
The CDC Vessel Sanitation Program generally reports outbreaks that are from “Public health meaning.”
This typically includes voyages from the US and foreign ports lasting 3 to 21 days with 100 or more passengers, with 3% or more of passengers or crew reporting symptoms of gastrointestinal illness.
Common diseases on cruise ships
The most common diseases on cruise ships are: respiratory diseasesgastrointestinal infections and other vaccine-preventable diseases, according to the CDC.
Among respiratory illnesses, some common culprits include colds, flu, and COVID-19.
“Ships have narrow living areas and common areas, which makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to spread.”
Gastrointestinal diseases are highly contagious, the CDC warned.
These can be caused by various germs, including: bacteria, viruses or parasiteswhere the norovirus is mainly known for causing stomach disorders on ships.
Norovirus, also called stomach flu, usually causes symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain within 12 to 48 hours of exposure.
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Some people may also experience headaches, body aches and fever.
People generally get better within a few days, but can still spread the infection several days after feeling well, the CDC said.
Why are cruise ships sensitive? to outbreaks?
“Ships have close living quarters and common areas, which makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to spread,” Jill Blumenthal, MD, an infectious disease specialist at UC San Diego Health, told Fox News Digital.
“In addition, passengers arrive regularly [the cruise] at different stops, making it easier to introduce disease.”
Norovirus, also called stomach flu, usually causes symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain within 12 to 48 hours of exposure. (iStock)
Cruises can take passengers to locations where they are at increased risk infectious diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, Zika, chikungunya and Lyme disease due to exposure to mosquito or tick bites, the CDC warned.
Travelers are also more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, which can easily be spread from person to person on a cruise ship.
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“Food handling practices and water systems onboard certain ships may have the potential for the transmission of food and waterborne diseases,” Blumenthal said.
“Port visits can also expose travelers to local diseases, which they could bring back on board,” the doctor warned.
Passengers should consult a healthcare provider to discuss the risks.
About 12.5 million passengers traveled on cruises that began in North American ports in 2022, according to the CDC.
Tips to prevent illness on a cruise
The CDC recommends people ask about COVID-19 testing or vaccination protocols before traveling – and to consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.
Before taking a cruise, passengers should consult with a healthcare provider to discuss risks, vaccinations and other matters prevention strategiesas well as any medications to help prevent illness, Blumenthal said.
People should always remember to wash their hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, eating or touching surfaces, experts advise. (iStock)
This is especially important for people with chronic health conditions, those with weakened immune systems, the elderly or pregnant women, the doctor said.
People should always remember to wash their hands with soap and water after using the toilet, eating or touching surfaces.
Alcohol-based sanitizers are not effective against the virus, experts warn.
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When traveling to locations where insect-borne infections are common, the CDC recommends using EPA-registered insect repellents, such as DEET.
It is also important to use proper coughing etiquette and seek help from the ship medical staff in case of sickness.
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Travelers should also be aware of any non-communicable conditions before embarking on a trip, Blumenthal added.
Some people are prone to seasickness or motion sickness, including those who use this drug certain medicationssuch as birth control pills, antidepressants or painkillers, the CDC noted on its website.
Some people are susceptible to seasickness or motion sickness, including those taking certain medications such as birth control pills, antidepressants or painkillers, the CDC said on its website. (iStock)
Those at risk of seasickness should ask a health care provider to prescribe a medication to prevent or reduce symptoms, the agency advised.
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It's also important to apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher because it's possible to burn even when it's cloudy or cold, the CDC added.
Fox News Digital contacted Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean (also owner of Celebrity Cruises) seeking comment.
