Investigation Update on the Seven Seas Mariner

Investigation Update - March 9, 2006

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Seven Seas Mariner, for the 14 day voyage completed on March 13, 2006, (sailing dates: 2/28/2006-3/13/2006) in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

On March 5, 2006, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Seven Seas Mariner passengers and crew were experiencing symptoms that were consistent with acute gastroenteritis. The predominant symptom was diarrhea.

On March 12, the ship’s medical staff reported that 13 of 444 (2.93%) crew were and 26 of 582 (4.47%) passengers were ill. On March 13, VSP staff boarded the ship to conduct an environmental investigation and provide recommendations.

The ship's staff provided daily updates to CDC. The number of ill passengers and crew and returned to expected levels by the voyage that ended on 3/20/06.