A significant incident occurred aboard a large cruise ship when around 80 passengers and crew members fell ill, prompting officials to conduct an investigation. The Holland America’s Westerdam ship experienced an outbreak of norovirus symptoms, affecting 65 guests and 11 crew members with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
Following the suspected norovirus outbreak, the cruise line operator implemented enhanced protocols for the nearly 2,800 passengers on board. Health officials boarded the vessel on March 1 while it was en route from Japan to Hong Kong after reports of illnesses in March. Stool samples from seven individuals onboard tested positive for norovirus.
Holland America responded to the situation, stating that during the previous voyage from Yokohama, Japan to Hong Kong, some guests reported gastrointestinal illness symptoms. They took precautionary measures by enhancing sanitation procedures and conducting thorough cleaning upon the ship’s arrival in Hong Kong.
The cruise ship had visited Yokohama, Japan, Busan, South Korea, and Shanghai, China. Further testing was planned by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) in response to the outbreak. Health authorities in Hong Kong noted that the illness initially affected two passengers who boarded the ship in Japan, with subsequent cases emerging.
Dr. Edwin Tsui, the CHP controller, emphasized the importance of infection control measures after inspecting the ship and providing health advice to affected individuals and the operator. Passengers and crew members who were not ill were allowed to disembark after the ship underwent cleaning and disinfection.
Dr. Tsui urged vigilance in personal, food, and environmental hygiene due to the high norovirus activity levels. The cruise liner departed Hong Kong for the Philippines. This incident followed a similar outbreak on Fred Olsen’s The Balmoral cruise, where numerous passengers fell ill with gastroenteritis in January this year. Measures were taken to reduce transmission and provide medical support to affected guests.