Investigation Update on the Celebration
Investigation Update - February 21, 2005
- Carnival Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the
cruise ship, Celebration, for the voyage completed on February 21, 2005, (sailing dates: 02/17-02/21/2005)
in Jacksonville, FL.
- On February 20, 2005, Carnival Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to
report that an elevated number of Celebration passengers and crew members were experiencing GI illness. On
February 20, the ship’s medical staff reported that 89 of 1692 (5.26%) passengers and 35 of 688 (5.09%)
crew members were ill. Predominant symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea.
- The ship's staff implemented additional cleaning and disinfection procedures. Stool specimens were collected and tested
positive for norovirus. Medical staff provided daily updates of gastrointestinal
illness until the number of ill people returned to expected levels (voyage with
sailing dates: 2/26/05-3/3/05).