A suspected norovirus outbreak has struck the P&O Iona, a British cruise ship carrying 5,000 passengers and 1,800 crew members on a seven-day voyage across northern Europe. As the vessel passed through Belgium, reports emerged of a significant number of passengers experiencing symptoms consistent with the highly contagious virus.
According to Sky News, passengers have been "dropping like flies," with multiple accounts of people vomiting in restaurants, on decks, and outside their cabins. One traveller described the outbreak as widespread, stating that "a large number" of guests and crew members have been affected.
In response, a P&O Cruises spokesperson acknowledged that some passengers had reported symptoms of a stomach illness. However, the company maintained that the number of affected individuals was less than one per cent of those on board. "P&O Cruises works with global, national, and regional public health authorities on approved and proven protocols across our ships to protect the health and well-being of all on board," the spokesperson said.
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The company also pointed out that gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus are common in the UK and are typically spread through person-to-person contact, contaminated food or water, or touching infected surfaces.
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What Is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to stomach and intestinal inflammation. Often referred to as the "stomach flu" or "stomach bug," it spreads easily through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, and cramps.
Norovirus infection presents with a range of symptoms, including sudden vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps, which can lead to dehydration if not managed properly. Patients may also experience a low-grade fever or chills, accompanied by headaches and muscle aches, making the illness physically exhausting. These symptoms typically appear within 12 to 48 hours of exposure and usually last for one to three days.
Transmission:
Direct contact with an infected person
Consuming contaminated food or water
Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth
Prevention:
Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating or handling food
Properly clean and cook food
Disinfect surfaces and avoid close contact with infected individuals
Treatment:
There is no specific medication for norovirus
Drinking fluids, resting, and following a bland diet can help manage symptoms
Duration:
Most people recover within 1 to 3 days
However, the virus can still be contagious for a few days after recovery