Investigation Update on the Queen Mary 2
Investigation Update - February 27, 2006
- Cunard Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the
cruise ship, Queen Mary 2, for the 14 day voyage completed on February 22, 2006, (sailing dates:
02/08/2006-02/22/2006) in Los Angeles, CA.
- On February 16, 2006, Cunard Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to
report that an elevated number of Queen Mary 2 passengers and crew were experiencing symptoms consistent
with acute gastroenteritis.
- On February 22, the ship’s medical staff reported that 31 of 1271 (2.44%) crew were ill and 86 of 2498
(3.44%) passengers were ill. The predominant symptom was diarrhea.
- The ship's staff implemented additional cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Stool specimens
were collected and
tested negative for norovirus and positive for ETEC. Medical staff continued to
monitor the illness and provide daily updates to CDC throughout the following voyage. The number of ill passengers and crew returned to
expected levels by the voyage that ended on 2/25/06.