Investigation Update on the Island Princess
Investigation Update - March 22, 2006
- Princess Cruises reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise
ship, Island Princess, for the 16 day voyage completed on March 22, 2006, (sailing dates:
3/7/2006-3/22/2006) in Los Angeles, CA.
- On March 14, 2006, Princess Cruises contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report
that an elevated number of Island Princess passengers and crew were experiencing symptoms that were
consistent with acute gastroenteritis.
- On March 21, the ship’s medical staff reported that 16 of 911 (1.76%) crew were and 72 of 1950 (3.69%)
passengers were ill. The predominant symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.
- Stool specimens were collected and tested positive for norovirus. Medical
staff provided daily updates to
CDC throughout the next voyage (sailing dates: 3/22-4/6/2006); the number of passengers and crew with
gastrointestinal illness returned to an expected level.