Over 140 passengers fall ill during Royal Caribbean cruise

A gastrointestinal illness outbreak has affected many on a recent Royal Caribbean voyage.

Health crisis strikes Royal Caribbean cruise with over 140 sick

During a week-long cruise on the Navigator of the Seas from Los Angeles to Mexico, 134 passengers and seven crew members reported severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting and stomach cramps. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating the cause but has not yet determined what led to the outbreak. Royal Caribbean has responded by enhancing cleaning measures, isolating affected individuals, and increasing sanitation protocols aboard the ship. The CDC noted that norovirus is often responsible for such incidents, although the exact cause remains unclear in this case.

This outbreak highlights ongoing health concerns in the cruise industry, where gastrointestinal illnesses occur frequently. With 18 outbreaks reported so far this year, it raises questions about passenger safety and the industry's ability to contain such health crises. While Royal Caribbean assures strict sanitation practices, incidents like these can tarnish consumer confidence. The prevalence of norovirus underlines the need for vigilance, especially as new strains emerge.

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The industry must address these health challenges to ensure passenger safety.