In a follow-up on the gastrointestinal outbreak reported on a voyage earlier this month on Royal Caribbean’s vessel, Oasis of the Seas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported Wednesday that the causative agent was indeed, norovirus.
The outbreak on the cruise that began on Jan. 6 had to be cut short after nearly 9 percent of the passengers became ill with symptoms of vomiting.
In total, 592 passengers (561) and crew (31) were sickened, according to the latest numbers.
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus. You can get norovirus from having direct contact with an infected person, consuming contaminated food or water and touching contaminated surfaces then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth.
Norovirus is sometimes called the stomach flu or stomach bug. However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu which is caused by influenza virus.
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