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    VSP Home > Disease Surveillance and Investigation > Updates of GI Illness > Investigation Update on the Island Princess

Investigation Update on the Island Princess

  • Investigation Update - June 1, 2004

  • Princess Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the ship, Island Princess, for the voyage completed on June 5, 2004, (sailing dates: 5/29-6/5/2004) in Whittier, AK.
  • On May 31, Princess Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Island Princess passengers were experiencing GI illness. At 5:19 p.m. ET on June 4, the ship’s medical staff reported that 375 of 2018 (18.58%) passengers and 50 of 896 (5.58%) crew members were ill. Predominant symptoms were diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and nausea.
  • The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. On June 2, CDC staff boarded the vessel in Skagway, AK to conduct a vessel inspection, consult with onboard medical staff, observe cleaning and disinfection procedures, distribute a survey to determine the cause of illness, and make recommendations. Princess Cruise Line provided daily reports throughout the 2 following voyages; elevated levels of GI illnesses were reported during those voyages and returned to an expected level by the voyage 6/12/04-6/19/04.
  • Onboard screening tested positive for norovirus.