More than 200 cruise passengers were infected with Norovirus on a transatlantic trip that is currently still at sea.
The diseases occurred on the ship of the Cunard Queen Queen 2 cruise lines, which started from Southampton in the United Kingdom on March 8.
The ship traveled to New York and several islands in the Eastern Caribbean, according to the Cunard website.
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Of the total of 2,538 passengers, 224 became ill with the virus. Seventeen crew members were also affected, as indicated in an alert of the centers for disease control and prevention.
More than 200 cruise passengers were infected with Norovirus on a transatlantic trip that is currently still at sea. (Istock)
Diarrhea and vomiting The main symptoms were reported. All sick passengers have been isolated, the announcement said.
The ship is expected to return to Southampton on Sunday, April 6.
Cunard has increased its cleaning and disinfection procedures in response to the outbreak, according to CDC.
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He Cruise line He has also collected samples of sick passengers for tests.
“VSP (vessel sanitation program) is remotely monitoring the situation, including reviewing the outbreak and sanitation response procedures of the ship,” said the CDC.
Norovirus Propagation and symptoms
Norovirus, also known as Food poisoning Or the stomach insect, it is a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines, according to CDC.
“Norovirus, also known as virus similar to Norwalk, is a main cause of gastroenteritis in the United States,” said Dr. Amber Charoen, gastroenterologist certified by the Board with Gastro Health in Kennewick, Washington, Fox News Digital.
“The combination of interior spaces, close contact and overcrowding is the reason why Norovirus thrives in environments such as schools, day care and cruises,” said an expert. (Istock)
“It can be extended with only 10 particles through contaminated, vomiting, feces and even person to person“
The highly contagious virus can also spread through surfaces, utensils or contaminated foods.
“The combination of interior spaces, close contact and overcrowding is the reason why Norovirus thrives in environments such as schools, day care and cruises,” said Chad D. Neilsen, MPH, director of prevention and infections control in Nemours Children’s Health in Florida, said Fox News Digital.
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“Once an outbreak begins, it is difficult to control it without public health and sanitation experience. “
While it is often known as a “stomach flu” or “stomach insect”, norovirus is not Influenza related.
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“Norovirus symptoms vary, but infected tend to have a mixture of low -grade fever, chills, vomiting, headache, muscle pain and fatigue,” Baum said.
“In addition, Norovirus outbreaks typically produce nausea (more often In children), aqueous diarrhea (more often in adults) and stomach cramps “.
While it is often known as “stomach flu” or “stomach insect”, Norovirus is not related to influenza. (Istock)
There is no specific medication to treat Norovirus, according to Baum.
Nielsen previously shared with Fox News Digital that Norovirus is the main cause of Foods transmitted by food In the United States, causing around 20 million cases every year.
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Norovirus is responsible for about 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths every year in the United States, which mainly affects adults Over 65 yearsaccording to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID).
Approximately one in 15 Americans will obtain Norovirus annually, and one in 160 children will be hospitalized.
Prevention and treatment
The best defense against Norovirus is to wash your hands frequently, identify early symptoms and isolate if you are sick, according to Dr. Marc Siegel, Clinical Professor of Medicine at Nyu Langone Health and Fox News Senior Medical Analyst.
The CDC also recommends washing fruits and vegetables Completely and wash laundry in hot water, if possible.
The best defense against Norovirus is to wash your hands frequently, identify early symptoms and isolate if you are sick, said a doctor. (Istock)
“There is no treatment, except to stay well hydrated,” he told Fox News Digital. “[It] It usually lasts about three days. “
Neilsen agreed that most people will recover from Norovirus in one or three days without any treatment, but others could experience more serious symptoms such as dehydration, which “might require medical care.”
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CDC recommend drinking many liquids to prevent dehydration and search medical attention If it becomes severe.
Fox News Digital communicated with Cunard requesting additional comments.
