Skip directly to: content | left navigation | search
    VSP Home > Disease Surveillance and Investigation > Updates of GI Illness > Investigation Update Norwegian Crown

Investigation Update on the Norwegian Crown

  • Investigation Update - April 1, 2004

  • Norwegian Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the ship, Norwegian Crown, for the voyage completed on April 4, 2004 (sailing dates: 3/22-4/04/2004) in Philadelphia, PA.
  • On March 31, Norwegian Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Norwegian Crown passengers were experiencing GI illness. At 9:05 a.m., EST April 2, the ship’s medical staff reported that 45 of 1018 (4.38%) passengers and 8 of 546 (1.47%) crew members were ill. The predominant symptoms were diarrhea, and vomiting.
  • The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. Lab specimens were submitted and tested positive for norovirus. Norwegian Cruise Line provided special daily reports to VSP throughout the next cruise; elevated levels of GI illnesses were reported for a voyage two weeks later ( April 17-May 2).