Investigation Update on the Norwegian Sun

Investigation Update - May 22, 2006

Norwegian Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Norwegian Sun, for the 7 day voyage completed on May 21, 2006, (sailing dates: 5/13 -5/20/2005) in Seattle, WA.

On May 17, Norwegian Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Norwegian Sun passengers and crew members were experiencing gastrointestinal illness symptoms. On May 21, the ship’s medical staff reported that 71 of 2107 (3.37%) passengers and 6 of 924 (0.65%) crew members were ill. The predominant symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting. On May 21, a CDC representative boarded the ship in Seattle to conduct an onboard environmental investigation and provide recommendations.

The ship's staff implemented additional cleaning and disinfection procedures. Stool specimens were collected and tested positive for norovirus. The ship sent daily updates to CDC throughout the next voyage; the number of ill people returned to expected levels on the following voyage (the voyage ended on 5/27/06).