Investigation Update on the Sun Princess

Investigation Update - September 13, 2004

Princess Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the ship, Sun Princess, for the voyage completed on September 13, 2004, in Whittier, AK (sailing dates: September 6-13, 2004).

On September 11, Princess Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Sun Princess passengers were experiencing GI illness. On September 13, the ship’s medical staff reported that 145 of 1998 (7.26%) passengers and 5 of 855 (0.58%) crew members were ill. The predominant symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.

The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. Princess Cruise Line provided VSP with special daily reports regarding any new cases of GI illnesses and reported elevated cases for the following voyage. Stool specimens were collected (for the voyage September 6-13) and results were positive for norovirus.