Investigation Update on the Radiance of the Seas
Investigation Update - September 7, 2006
- Royal Caribbean International reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on
the cruise ship, Radiance of the Seas, for the 7 day voyage completed on September 9, 2006, (sailing dates:
9/2/2006-9/9/2006) in Seward, AK.
- On September 7, Royal Caribbean contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an
elevated number of Radiance of the Seas passengers and crew were experiencing symptoms that were consistent
with gastrointestinal illness. The predominant symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.
- On September 9, the ship’s medical staff reported that during the 7 day cruise,
12 of 870 (1.38%) crew and 227 of 2131 (10.65%) passengers are ill. CDC staff boarded the ship in Seward to review medical logs,
conduct an onboard environmental investigation, consult with medical staff,
observe cleaning and disinfection procedures, and make recommendations.
- The ship's staff implemented additional cleaning and disinfection procedures
and provided
daily updates to CDC throughout the remainder of the voyage and throughout the
following voyage. The number of ill people returned to expected levels on the
voyage that ended on 9/19/06.
Stool specimens were collected and tested negative for norovirus.