Investigation Update on the Amsterdam
Investigation Update - April 16, 2004
- Holland America reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise
ship, Amsterdam, for the voyage completed on April 17, 2004 (sailing dates: 3/31-4/17/2004) in San Diego,
CA.
- On April 16, Holland America contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an
unusual number of Amsterdam passengers and crew members were experiencing GI illness. At 6:30 a.m. ET on
April 17, the ship’s medical staff reported that 75 of 1130 (6.64%) passengers and 11 of 585 (1.88%) crew
members were ill. The predominant symptom was diarrhea.
- The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. Holland America provided special daily
reports to VSP throughout the next voyage; no significant levels of GI illnesses were reported. Lab
specimens have been confirmed positive for Enterotoxigenci E. coli (ETEC).