Investigation Update on the Queen Elizabeth 2
Investigation Update - February 25, 2004
- Cunard Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal illness (GI) on
the Queen Elizabeth 2. Queen Elizabeth 2 sailed from Sydney, Australia February 17, 2004, and
stopped in Apra, Guam, and then proceeded to Japan.
- On February 23, 2004 Cunard Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to
report that an unusual number of Queen Elizabeth 2 passengers were experiencing GI.
On February 24, the ship’s medical staff reported that 82 of 1521 (5.39%) passengers and 24 of 991 (2.42%)
crew members were ill. Predominant symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea.
- The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. Cunard Cruise
Line provided daily reports to VSP; no significant levels of GI illnesses were
reported. Stool specimens were obtained and the causative agent is unknown.