Investigation Update on the Ryndam
Investigation Update - May 21, 2006
- Holland America Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on
the cruise ship, Ryndam, for the 7 day voyage completed on May 21, 2006, (sailing dates:
5/14/2006-5/21/2006) in Vancouver, BC.
- On May 19, Holland America Cruise Line contacted with CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to
report an elevated number of Ryndam passengers and crew were experiencing symptoms that were consistent
with acute gastroenteritis.
- On June 2, Health Canada contacted VSP to report that 102 of 1279 (7.97%) passengers were and 13 of
570 (2.28%) crew were ill. The predominant symptoms were diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
- The ship's staff implemented additional cleaning and disinfecting
procedures, enhanced surveillance, and discontinued self-service buffets. Stool specimens were collected and tested
positive for norovirus. Medical staff provided daily updates to CDC until the
number of ill people returned to an expected level (voyage with sailing
dates: 6/4/06-6/11/06).