The Queen Victoria, a luxury ocean liner, has become the epicenter of an unidentified gastrointestinal outbreak.
The illness has affected 129 passengers and 25 crew members, causing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea during its 107-night world cruise.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the illness has been rampant throughout the ship's journey. The voyage, which began in Southampton, U.K., on January 11, is scheduled to end there on April 24. The itinerary includes stops at various exotic locations, including Cape Town, South Africa, and Hong Kong, China.
The CDC initiated remote monitoring of the health situation on the ship when it docked in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 22. The Queen Victoria, part of the esteemed Cunard Cruise Line, departed from San Francisco, California, on February 7 and arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii, on February 11.
In response to the outbreak, Cunard Cruise Line has ramped up cleaning and disinfection procedures on board, isolated the sick, and informed current and future passengers and crew members about the situation as part of its outbreak prevention and response plan.
In a statement to the New York Times, Cunard Line acknowledged the outbreak and stated that it had activated its "enhanced health and safety protocols" to ensure the well-being of everyone on board. The company maintains that these measures have effectively controlled the situation.
Despite the outbreak, many passengers expressed little concern during the ship's stop in San Francisco, according to Global News. Several travelers interviewed by NBC stated their intention to remain on board for the rest of the journey. The Queen Victoria currently carries over 1,800 passengers and nearly 970 crew members.
The CDC advises cruise passengers to exercise caution in new environments, particularly where large groups congregate. Key recommendations include frequent handwashing, staying hydrated, and getting adequate rest. They underscore the importance of promptly reporting any illness and isolating from others to prevent further spread.
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