Investigation Update on the Infinity

Investigation Update - July 19, 2006

Celebrity Cruises reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Infinity, for the 7 day voyage completed on July 16, 2006, (sailing dates: 7/9/2006-7/16/2006) in Vancouver, BC.

On July 15, Celebrity Cruises contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Infinity passengers and crew were experiencing symptoms that were consistent with gastrointestinal illness. The predominant symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.

On July 16, the ship’s medical staff reported that 20 of 952 (2.1%) crew were and 105 of 2282 (4.6%) passengers were ill. Stool specimens were collected and tested positive for norovirus.

The ship's staff implemented additional cleaning and disinfecting procedures. The ship provided daily updates until the number of ill people returned to expected levels (voyage ending on 7/22/06).