Investigation Update on the Ryndam

Investigation Update - May 21, 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 May 21, 2006, (sailing dates: 5/14/2006-5/21/2006) in Vancouver, BC.

On May 19, Holland America Cruise Line contacted with CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report an elevated number of Ryndam passengers and crew were experiencing symptoms that were consistent with acute gastroenteritis.

On June 2, Health Canada contacted VSP to report that 102 of 1279 (7.97%) passengers were and 13 of 570 (2.28%) crew were ill. The predominant symptoms were diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.

The ship's staff implemented additional cleaning and disinfecting procedures, enhanced surveillance, and discontinued self-service buffets. Stool specimens were collected and tested positive for norovirus. Medical staff provided daily updates to CDC until the number of ill people returned to an expected level  (voyage with sailing dates: 6/4/06-6/11/06).