Over 120 passengers and crew members of the Princess Cruises cruise ship, which arrived in San Francisco on Thursday, contracted a stomach virus during the voyage, U.S. federal health authorities reported. This was reported by the Associated Press, writes UNN.
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The Ruby Princess cruise ship was on a 20-day voyage from San Francisco to Canada and Alaska and back when 102 passengers and 23 crew members fell ill with norovirus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Norovirus is highly contagious and often spreads through food or contaminated surfaces, especially in crowded settings. For most people, the illness is short-lived, but it can pose a serious danger to individuals with chronic diseases, young children, and people aged 65 and older.
Symptoms include sudden vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, which can last up to three days, the CDC notes.
The outbreak aboard the Ruby Princess, which departed on its voyage on June 12, was recorded and reported to the CDC on Saturday. At the same time, officials clarified that not all infected individuals were ill simultaneously or at the time of the ship's arrival or departure from port.
According to the CDC, there were 3,032 passengers and 1,144 crew members aboard the Ruby Princess.