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    VSP Home > Disease Surveillance and Investigation > Updates of GI Illness > Investigation Update on the Queen Elizabeth 2

Investigation Update on the Queen Elizabeth 2

  • Investigation Update - February 25, 2004

  • Cunard Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal illness (GI) on the Queen Elizabeth 2. Queen Elizabeth 2 sailed from Sydney, Australia February 17, 2004, and stopped in Apra, Guam, and then proceeded to Japan.
  • On February 23, 2004 Cunard Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Queen Elizabeth 2 passengers were experiencing GI.  On February 24, the ship’s medical staff reported that 82 of 1521 (5.39%) passengers and 24 of 991 (2.42%) crew members were ill. Predominant symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea.
  • The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. Cunard Cruise Line provided daily reports to VSP; no significant levels of GI illnesses were reported. Stool specimens were obtained and the causative agent is unknown.