Investigation Update on the Amsterdam
Investigation Update - April 6, 2006
- Holland America Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on
the cruise ship, Amsterdam, for the 15 day voyage completed on April 6, 2006, (sailing dates: 3/22/2006-
4/6/2006) in San Diego, CA.
- Holland America Cruise Line was in contact with CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff
throughout this voyage due to a higher level of ill passengers and crew on the previous voyage. On March
28, Holland America Line reported that an elevated number of Amsterdam passengers and crew were
experiencing symptoms that were consistent with gastrointestinal illnesses on this voyage (sailing dates:
3/22/2006-4/6/2006). The predominant symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.
- On April 6, the ship’s medical staff reported that 8 of 605 (1.32%) crew were and 76 of 1294 (5.87%)
passengers were ill.
- The ship's staff implemented additional cleaning and disinfecting
procedures. Stool specimens were collected and tested positive for norovirus.
Medical staff provided daily updates to CDC throughout the next voyage and
reported that expected illness had returned to expected levels by April 10.