Investigation Update on the Coral Princess

Investigation Update - January 21, 2004

Princess Cruise Lines reported an increase in the number of cases of gastrointestinal illness for their cruise ship Coral Princess, which sailed from Port Everglades, Florida on January 12 - to New Orleans , LA on January 22, 2004.

On January 16, Princess Cruise Lines contacted VSP staff to report that the ship's medical staff was observing an unusual number of passengers with gastrointestinal illness and had initiated additional cleaning procedures. As of 12:00 p.m. on January 21, 133 of 2095 passengers (6.35 %) and 18 of 912 crew (1.97 %) had reported ill. Predominant symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea.

The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. Princess Cruise Lines provided special daily reports to VSP; no significant levels of GI illnesses were reported.

Lab specimens were obtained and tested positive for norovirus.