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: Facts about noroviruses on Cruise Ships
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Facts About Noroviruses on Cruise Ships
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Noroviruses |
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| Noroviruses
are a group of viruses (previously known as Norwalk-like viruses) that
can affect the stomach and intestines. These viruses can cause people
to have gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and the large
intestines. Gastroenteritis is sometimes called a calicivirus
infection or food poisoning, even though it may not always be related
to food. |
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| Norovirus
is sometimes called the “stomach flu,” although it is not
related to the flu (a common respiratory illness cause by the
influenza virus). |
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Symptoms caused by noroviruses
Common symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping
Less common symptoms:
low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches,
nausea, and tiredness |
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| This
illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very
sick. Normally the illness lasts about 1 to 2 days. Children often
vomit more than adults.
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Where noroviruses are found
Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of
infected people and on infected surfaces that have been touched by
ill people. Outbreaks occur more often where there are more people
in a small area, such as nursing homes, restaurants, catered events,
and cruise ships. |
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Reasons why noroviruses are
associated with cruise ships
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Health
officials track illness on cruise ships. Therefore, outbreaks
are found and reported more quickly on a cruise ship than on
land.
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Close living quarters may increase the amount of group
contact.
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New
passenger arrivals may bring the virus to other passengers and
crew.
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How noroviruses are
spread
People can become infected with the virus by:
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Eating food or
drinking liquids infected with noroviruses
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Touching surfaces or
objects infected with noroviruses and then touching own mouth, nose,
or eyes
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Having
person-to-person contact (with a norovirus-infected person) by
o being present while someone is vomiting
o sharing food or eating from the same utensils
o caring for a sick person
o shaking hands
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Not washing hands
after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before eating or
preparing food.
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Norovirus infections are not usually serious
Noroviruses are highly contagious, but infections
are not usually serious. People may feel very sick and vomit often
or get diarrhea, becoming dehydrated if lost liquids are not
replaced. Most people recover within 1 or 2 days and have no
long-term adverse health effects. |
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What to do if you get norovirus
Advise the medical staff of your illness. Drink plenty of fluids.
Wash hands often. |
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How to prevent getting and
spreading noroviruses
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Wash hands often. Wash hands after using the
bathroom or changing diapers and before eating or preparing food.
Wash hands more often when someone in your home is sick. For hand
washing tips, click on the following link:
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/pub/Handwashing/HandwashingTips.htm
- Avoid shaking hands during
outbreaks.
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Use
alcohol-based hand sanitizer along with handwashing.
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| For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/default.htm,
E-mail vsp@cdc.gov, or
call the CDC public response hotline at (888) 246-2675
(English), (888) 246-2857 (Español), or (866) 874-2646 (TTY).
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