Norwall virus outbreak

[Aldeya]

I don't want to start another negative discussion, but this really concerns me.

from Center of Desease Control site":

"Update on Outbreak Investigations - April 1, 2004
Cruise vessels are required to maintain a standardized gastrointestinal illness surveillance log for each cruise. The report includes the total numbers of passengers and crew members who reported gastrointestinal illness by dates of onset.

Cruise vessels are required to submit a special report to CDC when the number of passengers and/or crew with gastroenteritis is 2% or higher. Outbreaks occur when 3% or more of the passengers or crew have reported gastroenteritis.

The cruise ship below underwent investigation:

Norwegian Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the ship, Norwegian Crown, for the voyage completed on April 4, 2004 (sailing dates: 3/22-4/04/2004) in Philadelphia, PA.

On March 31, Norwegian Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Norwegian Crown passengers were experiencing GI illness. At 9:05 a.m., EST April 2, the ship’s medical staff reported that 45 of 1018 (4.38%) passengers and 8 of 546 (1.47%) crew members were ill. The predominant symptoms were diarrhea, and vomiting.

The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. Lab specimens were submitted and tested negative for norovirus. Norwegian Cruise Line is providing special daily reports to VSP throughout the next cruise.

Cruise ship travelers are reminded that simple hygienic practices, such as frequent and thorough hand washing with warm water and soap, and avoiding contact with other passengers when ill, are important measures to prevent the spread of disease.

Additional information about CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program is available at [url="http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp"]http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp[/url]

Information on Norwalk-like viruses is available at

[url="http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus.htm"]http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus.htm[/url] and

[url="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5203a1.htm"]http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5203a1.htm[/url]

Additional information on gastrointestinal diseases is available at [url="http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/gastro.htm"]http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/gastro.htm[/url]

CDC protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations.

For more information, CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program can be reached at [email]vsp@cdc.gov[/email] ."


I also read on the board that AFTER this was posted people who were on 18-25 April cruise got really sick.

Now with just few weeks to go I don't know what do. I don't want my child to get sick.

I know, I know .. we have to wash our hands all the time and use sanitazers... I know... but the posssibility of getting really sick while on this particular ship is real.

What do you all think about it?

[url="http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/surv/outbreak/2004/update_april1NorwegianCrown.htm"]http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/surv/outbreak/2004/update_april1NorwegianCrown.htm[/url]