Investigation Update on the Ryndam

Investigation Update - June 2, 2006

Holland America Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Ryndam, for the 7 day voyage completed on June 4, 2006, (sailing dates: 5/28/2006-6/4/2006) in Vancouver, BC.

On June 1, Holland America Cruise Line contacted with CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Ryndam passengers and crew were experiencing symptoms that were consistent with acute gastroenteritis.

On June 2, the ship’s medical staff reported that 5 of 574 (0.87%) crew were and 64 of 1230 (5.2%) passengers were ill. The predominant symptoms were diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Health Canada officials boarded the ship to conduct an onboard investigation.

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 and Health Canada and the number of ill people returned to expected levels on the following voyage (voyage ending 6/11/06).