Investigation Update on the Pacific Princess

Investigation Update - July 29, 2004

Princess Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the ship, Pacific Princess, for the voyage completed on August 17, 2004, in Honolulu, HI (sailing dates: July 25-August 17).

On July 28, Princess Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Pacific Princess passengers were experiencing GI illness. On August 20 at 4:22 p.m., the ship’s medical staff reported that 57 of 618 (9.22%) passengers and 10 of 384 (2.60%) crew members were ill. The predominant symptom was diarrhea.

The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. Princess Cruise Line provided VSP with special daily reports regarding any incidence of GI illnesses; no significant levels of elevated GI illnesses were reported. Stool specimens were collected and the causative agent is unknown.