Investigation Update on the Amsterdam

Investigation Update - March 21, 2006

Holland America Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Amsterdam, for the 14 day voyage completed on March 22, 2006, (sailing dates: 3/7/2006-3/22/2006) in San Diego, CA.

On March 13, 2006, Holland America Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Amsterdam passengers and crew were experiencing symptoms that were consistent with gastrointestinal illnesses. The predominant symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.

On March 21, the ship’s medical staff reported that 8 of 606 (1.32%) crew were and 130 of 1360 (9.56%) passengers were ill.

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 throughout the next voyage (sailing dates: 3/22-4/6/2006). On April 10, the ship reported that the number of ill passengers and crew was at an expected level.