Investigation Update on the Crystal Symphony

Investigation Update - April 22, 2005

Crystal Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Crystal Symphony, for the voyage completed on April 25, 2005, (sailing dates: 4/14-04/25/2005) in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

On April 19, 2005, Crystal Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Crystal Symphony passengers and crew members were experiencing GI illness. On April 22, the ship’s medical staff reported that 20 of 570 (3.5%) passengers and 3 of 560 (0.5%) crew members were ill. The predominant symptom was diarrhea.

The ship's staff implemented additional cleaning procedures. Stool specimens were collected and tested negative for bacteria. VSP staff boarded the vessel to conduct an onboard investigation. Medical staff sent daily reports to CDC; the cases of gastrointestinal illness returned to expected levels by the following voyage.