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.