Investigation Update on the Queen Mary 2

Investigation Update - February 27, 2006

Cunard Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Queen Mary 2, for the 14 day voyage completed on February 22, 2006, (sailing dates: 02/08/2006-02/22/2006) in Los Angeles, CA.

On February 16, 2006, Cunard Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Queen Mary 2 passengers and crew were experiencing symptoms consistent with acute gastroenteritis.

On February 22, the ship’s medical staff reported that 31 of 1271 (2.44%) crew were ill and 86 of 2498 (3.44%) passengers were ill. The predominant symptom was diarrhea.

The ship's staff implemented additional cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Stool specimens were collected and tested negative for norovirus and positive for ETEC. Medical staff continued to monitor the illness and provide daily updates to CDC throughout the following voyage. The number of ill passengers and crew returned to expected levels by the voyage that ended on 2/25/06.