An outbreak of norovirus—a highly contagious infection causing vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea—has occurred on board the cruise liner Queen Mary 2. According to U.S. health authorities, 224 out of 2,538 passengers and 17 crew members have fallen ill.
Norovirus spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces, food, water, and person-to-person transmission. Infected individuals suffer from severe fluid loss, which can be particularly dangerous for elderly passengers.
The outbreak began in mid-March during a voyage from Southampton, England, to the Caribbean via New York. Despite the initial cases, the ship continued its journey. Thorough cleaning and disinfection were carried out on all decks, and medical assistance was provided to those affected.
“Thanks to our crew’s swift response and additional measures taken, we are already seeing a decline in reported cases,” stated Cunard Line, the company that owns the ship.
Queen Mary 2 is one of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships, designed in the style of early 20th-century transatlantic voyages. It has been in service since 2004 and is now nearing its final destination.
