Investigation Update on the Seven Seas Mariner

Investigation Update - February 23, 2005

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Seven Seas Mariner for the voyage completed on February 24, 2005, (sailing dates: 02/12-02/24/2005) in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

On February 16, 2005, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Seven Seas Mariner passengers and crew members were experiencing GI illness. On February 23, the ship’s medical staff reported that 1 of 551 (0.18%) passengers and 20 of 444 (4.5%) crew were ill. Predominant symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea.

The ship's staff implemented additional cleaning and disinfection procedures. Stool specimens were collected and tested positive for salmonella. Medical staff continued to monitor gastrointestinal illness cases; the number of ill people returned to expected levels on the following voyage.