Norovirus outbreak reported on Ruby Princess cruise ship

A norovirus outbreak occurred on the cruise ship Ruby Princess during a voyage between Canada and Alaska. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 102 passengers and 23 crew members reported symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea. The voyage began on June 12 and concluded on July 2 with the ship's return to San Francisco. The CDC was first notified of the outbreak on June 28. On board were 3,032 passengers and 1,144 crew members, resulting in an infection rate of 3.4% for passengers and 2% for the crew. The cruise operator stated that enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols were implemented immediately following the outbreak. Affected individuals were placed in isolation, and the vessel cooperated with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program to contain the spread. Laboratory tests were conducted on samples collected from symptomatic individuals.