Each year millions of U.S. citizens enjoy cruise vacations. In 2005, approximately 9.8 million passengers embarked from North American ports for their cruise vacation (from Cruise Lines International Association). Traveling on cruise ships exposes people to new environments and high volumes of people, including other travelers. Although an infrequent occurrence, this exposure creates the risk for illness, either from contaminated food, water or more commonly through person to person contact.
Follow these tips to help prevent the spread of illness:
CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program helps the cruise industry to control and prevent the spread of gastrointestinal illnesses aboard cruise ships and assists them in monitoring ships if they have an outbreak. Learn more about CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.