Passengers aboard the P&O cruise ship, Iona, are reportedly suffering from a suspected norovirus outbreak, with symptoms affecting many guests and staff. Witnesses describe people vomiting in various areas of the ship. P&O Cruises acknowledged reports of gastrointestinal illness but stated less than 1% of guests are affected. The company is collaborating with health authorities to maintain onboard safety and offers refunds for affected guests unable to participate in shore activities. Norovirus, a highly contagious virus causing acute gastroenteritis, is spreading in the UK, with recorded hospitalizations at their highest since 2012, according to NHS data.
Passengers are reportedly “dropping like flies” on the P&O cruise ship due to a suspected norovirus outbreak, according to a report from Sky News . The P&O Iona, which is carrying 5,000 guests along with 1,800 crew members, is currently navigating through Belgium on a seven-day cruise in northern Europe.
“People [were] throwing up in restaurants, on decks, outside cabins,” one passenger told the publication, mentioning that “a large number” of guests and crew members were showing symptoms of the virus.
P&O Cruises acknowledged that some guests have reported gastrointestinal illness symptoms but declined to update on the health status of the crew. They noted that the proportion of affected guests was less than one percent (500) of the total onboard.
“P&O Cruises collaborates with global, national, and regional public health authorities to implement approved and effective protocols across our ships to safeguard the health and wellbeing of everyone onboard,” a representative from P&O stated.
“Gastrointestinal illnesses are quite common in the UK and are mainly transmitted from person to person in places such as hotels, schools, and restaurants.”
The company assured that any guest showing virus symptoms and unable to participate in ‘shore activities’ would receive a full refund.
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What is norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that leads to acute gastroenteritis, often referred to as stomach flu. It is the primary cause of foodborne illnesses worldwide, contributing to millions of cases each year.
In severe instances, many patients may face dehydration from intense vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration can result in additional symptoms such as dry mouth, reduced urination, and dizziness.
There is no specific treatment for norovirus. To prevent dehydration, doctors suggest consuming plenty of fluids to replenish those lost. Regular handwashing with soap and water is also crucial, as the virus can persist in the feces of recovered individuals for at least two weeks.
Earlier this week, data from NHS England indicated that nearly 1,160 patients daily, on average, were hospitalized due to the virus. Cases have reached the highest levels recorded since 2012, according to a report from BBC .
Likewise, a norovirus outbreak was reported in the US earlier this year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).