Norovirus :: Suspected stomach flu, norovirus infection hits QE-2 on world cruise

More than 300 passengers and crew aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 were struck by a suspected stomach flu in recent days, US health officials said on Wednesday after the world famous cruise ship docked in San Francisco.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said it was notified by Cunard Line, owner of the Queen Elizabeth 2, on January 11 that some passengers had fallen ill with symptoms associated with norovirus, a virus responsible for gastroenteritis marked by stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea that last two to three days.

The number of sick passengers climbed to 276, from a total 1,652, and 28 of the ship’s 1,002 crew also became ill, said Lisa Beaumier, public health analyst with the CDC.

While their symptoms were consistent with norovirus, health officials continue to study stool samples, Beaumier said.

US health officials boarded the Queen Elizabeth 2 in Acapulco, Mexico on Friday to investigate the outbreak. Its crew responded with increased cleaning and disinfection measures.


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