Investigation Update on the Amsterdam

Investigation Update - April 6, 2006

Holland America Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Amsterdam, for the 15 day voyage completed on April 6, 2006, (sailing dates: 3/22/2006- 4/6/2006) in San Diego, CA.

Holland America Cruise Line was in contact with CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff throughout this voyage due to a higher level of ill passengers and crew on the previous voyage. On March 28, Holland America Line reported that an elevated number of Amsterdam passengers and crew were experiencing symptoms that were consistent with gastrointestinal illnesses on this voyage (sailing dates: 3/22/2006-4/6/2006). The predominant symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.

On April 6, the ship’s medical staff reported that 8 of 605 (1.32%) crew were and 76 of 1294 (5.87%) passengers were ill.

The ship's staff implemented additional cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Stool specimens were collected and tested positive for norovirus. Medical staff provided daily updates to CDC throughout the next voyage and reported that expected illness had returned to expected levels by April 10.