Investigation Update on the Norwegian Wind

Investigation Update - September 21, 2004

Norwegian Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the ship, Norwegian Wind, for the voyage completed on May 3, 2004 (sailing dates: 4/17-5/3/2004) in Los Angeles, CA.

On April 30, Norwegian Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Norwegian Wind passengers were experiencing GI illness. On May 2, the ship’s medical staff reported that 54 of 1681 (3.21%) passengers and 2 of 731 (0.27%) crew members were ill.

The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. Norwegian Cruise Line provided special daily reports to VSP throughout the next cruise; no significant levels of GI illnesses were reported. Stool specimens were not obtained.