Investigation Update on the Island Princess

Investigation Update - June 10, 2004

Princess Cruise Line has reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the ship, Island Princess, for the voyage completed on June 12, 2004, in Vancouver (sailing dates: June 5-12). On June 10, the ship will stop in Ketchikan, Alaska.

On June 9, Princess Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Island Princess passengers were experiencing GI illness. At 12:34 a.m. eastern standard time on June 10, the ship’s medical staff reported that 66 of 2,036 (3.24%) passengers and 18 of 930 (1.94%) crew members were ill. Predominant symptoms included vomiting and diarrhea.

The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. Princess Cruise Line provided daily reports throughout the following voyage; no significant levels were reported. Stool specimens were obtained and the causative agent is unknown.