Norovirus outbreak hits P&O Cruise, passengers “drop Like flies”-All you need to know – Life News

A suspected norovirus outbreak on the P&O cruise ship has led to passengers “dropping like flies”. Reportedly, the P&O Iona, carrying 5,000 guests and 1,800 staff members is currently passing Belgium on a seven-day cruise across northern Europe.

According to a report by Sky News, P&O Cruises confirmed that some guests have reported symptoms of gastrointestinal illness. However, it refused to provide update on the health of cruise staffers.

“People [were] throwing up in restaurants, on decks, outside cabins,” one of the passengers told the publication, adding that “a large number” of guests and staff were experiencing the virus symptoms.

“P&O Cruises works with global, national and regional public health authorities on approved and proven protocols across our ships in order to protect the health and wellbeing of all on board,” a P&O spokesperson said.

According to a report by NDTV, the company informed that any guest who experienced virus symptoms and was not able to take part in ‘shore activities’ would be fully refunded.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a common and very contagious virus. According to Cleveland Clinics, it is a group of viruses that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus outbreaks usually happen seasonally in colder months. The infection is the No. 1 cause of foodborne illness in the United States, Cleveland Clinic stated.

Norovirus causes gastroenteritis and some people may call it “stomach flu.” The influenza virus causes respiratory flu, not gastroenteritis.

What are the symptoms of Norovirus?

Symptoms of norovirus include:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Stomach pain.

In addition, you may also have:

• A headache.
• Fever.
• Body aches.

Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and last one to three days.

How can you get Norovirus?

You can get the norovirus infection in many ways, including through:

• Close contact with someone who has the virus.
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose.
• Eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages.

How is norovirus treated?

There isn’t a cure for norovirus. You can manage your symptoms by:

• Drinking plenty of liquids, especially liquids that contain electrolytes.
• Getting a lot of rest.
• Eating soft, bland foods.

How to prevent norovirus infection?

According to Cleveland Clinics, some precautions you can take to reduce your risk of getting norovirus include:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water.
• Washing your food before eating it (fruits and vegetables).
• Cooking your food thoroughly (especially seafood or shellfish) or to an appropriate temperature (at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit, or 62.77 degrees Celsius).
• Avoiding contact with people who have a norovirus infection.
• Cleaning and sanitizing frequently touched surfaces and objects.
• Washing your clothes thoroughly, especially if they’re soiled.

Q: what are the key differences between norovirus and the influenza virus, notably in terms of symptoms and transmission?

Expert Interview: Navigating Norovirus on Cruise Ships with Dr. Stella Hartfield

Dr. Stella Hartfield, Epidemiologist and Maritime Health Expert

Q: Dr. Hartfield, thank you for joining us today. We’ve recently heard about a suspected norovirus outbreak on a P&O cruise ship. Can you tell our readers what norovirus is?

Dr. Hartfield: Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, leading to a condition called gastroenteritis. It’s critically important to note that this is not the same as the influenza virus, which causes respiratory flu.

Q: How can passengers and crew become infected on a cruise ship, and what are the symptoms to look out for?

Dr. Hartfield: Norovirus spreads easily in close quarters like cruise ships through person-to-person contact, touching contaminated surfaces, or eating or drinking contaminated food or beverages. Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and last one to three days. They include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, fever, and body aches.

Q: P&O has confirmed cases but hasn’t provided updates on its crew. Should we be concerned about the crew’s welfare and their role in containing the outbreak?

Dr. Hartfield: Absolutely,it’s crucial to consider the crew’s health as they play a meaningful role in preventing the spread of the virus.They often live and work in close quarters, making them highly susceptible to infection. It’s essential for the cruise line to provide regular updates on crew health and implement strict protocols to protect both passengers and staff.

Q: What can passengers do to protect themselves from norovirus infection during a cruise,and what steps should they take if they suspect they’ve been exposed?

Dr. Hartfield: Passengers can protect themselves by washing their hands frequently, using soap and water, and avoiding contact with people who are sick. If they suspect exposure, they should report it to the ship’s medical staff immediately, wash their hands thoroughly, avoid eating or drinking for a short period, and monitor for symptoms.

Q: Final thoughts on managing norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships,dr. Hartfield?

Dr. Hartfield: cruise lines should have robust infection control measures in place, including thorough cleaning and disinfection protocols, health screenings, and timely communication with passengers and crew. Passengers can also play a role by following basic hygiene measures and reporting any signs of illness promptly.

Thank you, Dr. Hartfield, for sharing your expertise on this critically important topic.