Investigation Update on the Island Princess

Investigation Update - March 22, 2006

Princess Cruises reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Island Princess, for the 16 day voyage completed on March 22, 2006, (sailing dates: 3/7/2006-3/22/2006) in Los Angeles, CA.

On March 14, 2006, Princess Cruises contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Island Princess passengers and crew were experiencing symptoms that were consistent with acute gastroenteritis.

On March 21, the ship’s medical staff reported that 16 of 911 (1.76%) crew were and 72 of 1950 (3.69%) passengers were ill. The predominant symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.

Stool specimens were collected and tested positive for norovirus. Medical staff provided daily updates to CDC throughout the next voyage (sailing dates: 3/22-4/6/2006); the number of passengers and crew with gastrointestinal illness returned to an expected level.