Investigation Update on the Veendam

Investigation Update - March 14, 2005

Holland America Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Veendam, for the voyage completed on March 5, 2005, (sailing dates: 03/05 -03/12/2005) in Tampa, FL.

On March 5, 2005, Holland America Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Veendam passengers and crew members were experiencing GI illness. On March 12, the ship’s medical staff reported that 88 of 1267 (6.95%) passengers and 6 of 554 (1.08%) crew members were ill. Predominant symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea.

On March 12, VSP staff boarded the ship to conduct an environmental vessel inspection, consult with onboard medical staff, observe cleaning and disinfection procedure, and make recommendations. The ship's staff implemented additional cleaning and disinfection procedures. Stool specimens were collected and tested positive for norovirus

The number of reported cases of illness returned to expected levels by the following voyage.