Investigation Update on the Sun Princess

Investigation Update - September 20, 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 20, 2004, in Vancouver (sailing dates: September 13-20, 2004).

On September 17, 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 19, the ship’s medical staff reported that 101 of 2031 (4.97%) passengers and 14 of 875 (1.60%) 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 throughout the next voyage; no significant levels of GI illnesses were reported. Stool specimens were obtained and the causative agent is unknown.