Less gastroenteritis at sea thanks to cruise industry efforts
Health & Leisure
Tuesday, 19 January 2016
Outbreaks of diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, muscle aches or fever -- called gastroenteritis -- dropped significantly on cruise ships between 2008 and 2014, according to a new US government report.
Lead researcher Amy Freeland of the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said: “Of the more than 29,000 voyages between 2008 and 2014, outbreaks occurred on only 133, which is 0.5 per cent. About 92 per cent of outbreaks were caused by a norovirus, the leading cause of illness and outbreaks from contaminated food in the United States.
Others were caused by bacteria such as e.coli.”
The cruise industry has been doing a better job of preventing and controlling outbreaks according to Freehand. In addition, requirements of the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program have made a difference in reducing outbreaks by recommending cleaning procedures and disinfectants to be used on cruise ships.
To prevent getting gastroenteritis on a cruise it is recommended passengers wash their hands, especially after using the toilet and before putting anything in their mouths. In addition, passengers should report any symptoms.
Less gastroenteritis at sea thanks to cruise industry efforts
Health & Leisure
Tuesday, 19 January 2016
Outbreaks of diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, muscle aches or fever -- called gastroenteritis -- dropped significantly on cruise ships between 2008 and 2014, according to a new US government report.
Lead researcher Amy Freeland of the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said: “Of the more than 29,000 voyages between 2008 and 2014, outbreaks occurred on only 133, which is 0.5 per cent. About 92 per cent of outbreaks were caused by a norovirus, the leading cause of illness and outbreaks from contaminated food in the United States.
Others were caused by bacteria such as e.coli.”
The cruise industry has been doing a better job of preventing and controlling outbreaks according to Freehand. In addition, requirements of the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program have made a difference in reducing outbreaks by recommending cleaning procedures and disinfectants to be used on cruise ships.
To prevent getting gastroenteritis on a cruise it is recommended passengers wash their hands, especially after using the toilet and before putting anything in their mouths. In addition, passengers should report any symptoms.
