What you need to know about Norovirus

By Melissa Baldwin

With cruise ship outbreaks appearing in the news more and more often, awareness of Norovirus -- an extremely common and highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis -- has been significantly raised. In November 2006, Carnival Liberty battled the year's largest outbreak of gastrointestinal illness; a few weeks later, a significant number of folks fell ill onboard the biggest ship afloat, Freedom of the Seas. In both cases, the ships were taken out of service for extensive cleaning.

But before you reconsider that long-awaited cruise vacation because of gloom-and-doom reports on television and in your daily paper, know these facts:

Norovirus is not a "cruise ship" virus, nor does it limit itself to sea-going vessels.

Norovirus spreads swiftly wherever there are many people in a small area, including nursing homes, restaurants, hotels, dormitories ... and cruise ships.

The common cold is the only illness more common, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta estimates that there are 23 million cases of Norovirus annually.

Norovirus is associated with cruise travel simply because health officials are required to track illnesses on ships (and are not at hotels and resorts); therefore, outbreaks are found and reported more quickly at sea than on land.

What are the symptoms? What are the cruise lines doing to combat germs? In the following Q&A, we tell you everything you need to know about Norovirus -- and how to avoid getting sick on your next cruise vacation.

Question: What is Norovirus and how is it spread?

Answer: Norovirus is named after an outbreak that occurred in Norwalk, Ohio, some 30 years ago. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Vessel Sanitation Program, "Noroviruses are a group of viruses (previously known as Norwalk-like viruses) that can affect the stomach and intestines. These viruses can cause people to have gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and the large intestines. Gastroenteritis is sometimes called a calicivirus infection or food poisoning, even though it may not always be related to food."

Though Norovirus can be passed via contaminated food and water, when it comes to cruise ships it is typically spread through physical contact with ill people or surfaces/objects they may have touched. This includes shaking hands, caring for a sick friend or family member, sharing food or eating from the same utensils, and not washing hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers.

Bottom line? For the most part, Norovirus outbreaks are the results of guests setting sail sick ... and passing it around.

Q: What are the symptoms?

A: Though generally moderate, symptoms are often flu-like (in fact, Norovirus is often called the "stomach flu," even though it is not related to influenza). Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps; children often vomit more than adults. A low-grade fever and headache are also possible.

Q: What preventative measures should I take to avoid coming down with Norovirus?

A: First and foremost, wash your hands often with hot water and soap; the CDC recommends hitting the sink before and after eating and smoking, after touching your face, after using the restroom, and whenever your hands are dirty. Limit person-to-person contact as much as possible (we're not saying you absolutely must refuse the captain a handshake at his cocktail party ... just use your judgment throughout the cruise).

Cruise Critic members advise packing extra soap, a supply of Lysol, alcohol-based sanitizers like Purell and a bottle of Pepto-Bismol (just in case).

Beyond that, avoid uncooked food as much as possible. Stick to bottled water, and don't share drinking glasses and eating utensils.

Q: What happens if I come down with Norovirus while on a cruise ship?

A: Beyond a visit to the ship's doctor, be sure to drink plenty of water as dehydration is a common side-effect. Passengers are typically quarantined to their cabins to prevent spreading the illness to others -- not an ideal situation, but necessary.

Print this Email this Blog this  IM this

MORE FROM CRUISING

Cruising Section Front

Bigger is better Carnival’s ‘Man’ attraction Help! My cruise has been flushed away Fabulous far-flung cruises A tale of two crossings Cruise-onomics: 12 money-saving tips Central Park goes to sea Luxury cruising is the next big thing The world's most expensive cruises Crazy themed cruises to hit the high seas Cruising Section Front   Add Cruising headlines to your news reader: