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Investigation Update on the Westerdam

  • Cruise Line: Holland America Line
  • Cruise Ship: Westerdam
  • Voyage Dates: 2/4-2/11
  • Number of ill passengers out of total number of passengers at the end of the voyage: 146 of 1790 (8.16%)
  • Number of ill crew out of total number of crew at the end of the voyage: 9 of 809 (1.11%)
  • Predominant symptoms: diarrhea and vomiting
  • Actions: In response to the outbreak, Holland American Line and the crew aboard the ship took the following actions:
    • increased cleaning and disinfection procedures,
    • sent environmental health staff to the ship for additional support,
    • notified passengers aboard the ship,
    • sent daily updates to CDC and until the number of ill people returned to expected levels.
  • VSP staff boarded the ship in Fort Lauderdale on February 11th to conduct an environmental health investigation and make recommendations.
  • By the following voyage, the number of passengers and crew who reported symptoms of gastrointestinal illnesses returned to expected levels.