Investigation Update on the Celebration

Investigation Update - February 13, 2004

Carnival Cruise Line reported an increase in the number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship Celebration, which sailed from Galveston, Texas, on February 9, 2004.

On February 11, Carnival contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Celebration passengers were experiencing GI illness. As of 2:45 p.m. EST on February 13, the ship’s medical staff reported that 297 of 1,576 (18.84%) passengers and 19 of 689 (2.75%) crew members were ill. Predominant symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea.

Crew of the Celebration Carnival Cruise Ship conducted extensive cleaning and disinfection of the vessel. Special daily reports were submitted to VSP. CDC staff boarded the vessel in Galveston on February 14 to conduct an inspection of the vessel, consult with on-board medical staff, observe cleaning and disinfection procedures, and make recommendations. Medical staff submitted daily reports throughout the following voyage; no significant levels of GI illnesses were reported. Stool specimens were submitted and tested positive for norovirus.