Investigation Update on the Norwegian Star
Investigation Update - May 22, 2006
- Norwegian Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the
cruise ship, Norwegian Star, for the 7 day voyage completed on May 21, 2006, (sailing dates:
5/14 -5/21/2005) in Seattle, WA.
- On May 19, Norwegian Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that
an elevated number of Norwegian Star passengers and crew members were experiencing gastrointestinal
illness symptoms. On May 21, the ship’s medical staff reported that 115 of 2388 (4.82%) passengers and 12
of 1063 (1.13%) crew members were ill. The predominant symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting. On May 21, a
CDC representative boarded the ship in Seattle to conduct an onboard environmental investigation and
provide recommendations.
- The ship's staff implemented additional cleaning and disinfection
procedures. Stool specimens were collected and tested positive for norovirus.
The ship sent daily updates to CDC until the number of ill people returned to
expected levels (voyage with sailing dates: 5/28/06-6/4/06).