Investigation Update on the Minerva II

Investigation Update - January 25, 2006

P & O Cruises reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Minerva II, for the 14 day voyage completed on January 26, 2006, (sailing dates: 1/12-1/26/2006) in San Francisco, CA.

On January 17, 2006, P & O Cruises contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Minerva II passengers and crew were experiencing GI illnesses.

On January 23, the ship’s medical staff reported that 23 of 562 (4.09%) passengers and 3 of 326 (0.92%) crew were ill. The predominant symptom was diarrhea.

The ship's staff implemented additional cleaning and disinfecting procedures. On January 25, VSP staff boarded the ship to conduct an environmental investigation and provide recommendations to the ship. Medical staff continued to monitor the illness and provide daily updates to CDC throughout the subsequent voyage. The number of ill people returned to expected levels, ending on voyage 2/9/06.