Hand sanitizers may not be very effective in slowing the spread of a norovirus outbreak. Just plain old soap and water seems to be much more effective in reducing the microbial count on hands that have been contaminated with the bug. Norovirus is popularly known as the “cruise ship bug”, because these outbreaks are very often recorded on cruise...

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The Centers for Disease Control cited enough violations during a surprise inspection to give the cruise ship Veendam a failing grade, an uncommon occurrence in the industry. Holland America, which owns the vessel, said the score was an “aberration.” Inspectors noted multiple sanitation violations during the Aug. 19 visit, including a fly on the...

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According to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the numbers of food poisoning outbreaks on cruise ships were at their lowest in years in 2010.  The agency reported that in 2010, it recorded just 11 outbreaks of food poisoning on cruise vessels, compared to 14 outbreaks the previous year. In 2006, the cruise ship ind...

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning about a new highly contagious strain of the norovirus bug, which is also commonly known as the “cruise ship bug.”  This bug often makes it undesirable presence felt during cruise ship journeys, bringing down crewmembers and passengers with symptoms including nausea, vomiting and abdominal...

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Every year, more than 20 million people in the United States suffer from norovirus poisoning. Many of these persons are on vacation on a cruise ship when they contract the infection. In fact, norovirus poisoning can spread very quickly on a cruise vessel, because of the close proximity of hundreds of people to each other. Research into the deve...

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At least two cruise ships operated by Princess Cruise Lines have been struck by norovirus poisoning. According to news reports, the quick-spreading gastrointestinal illness affected passengers on board the Ruby Princess and the Crown Princess. Both the ships are operated by Princess Cruise Lines.  Earlier news reports have held that a total of ...

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