A cruise ship has been shut down after more than 120 people on board contracted the norovirus.
Princess Ruby is now undergoing sanitary protocols ashore California, USnear San Francisco.
About 102 of the ship’s 3,032 passengers presented with symptoms of the vomiting bug, as did 20 crew members.
The ship, owned by tour operator Princess Cruises, departed June 12 on a 20-day round trip including stops in Alaska and the Canadian province of British Columbia.
But an outbreak of the disease, which causes diarrhea and vomiting, was reported on June 28 and the ship returned to the US on July 2, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The public health the agency said: ‘The Ship Sanitation Program (VSP) is remotely monitoring the situation, including reviewing the ship’s response to the explosion and sanitation procedures.’
Princess Cruises has increased cleaning and disinfection protocols and collected samples from people reporting symptoms.
How do you get norovirus and what should you do if you have it?
Norovirus is also known as the winter vomiting bug, but you can get it any time of the year.
Norovirus is highly contagious and is spread through direct contact with infected individuals, consuming contaminated food or water, or touching infected surfaces and transferring virus particles to your mouth.
The main symptoms usually appear suddenly and include:
- You feel sick
- Vomiting
- diarrhea
You may also have:
- A high temperature
- A headache
- Abdominal pain
- Body aches and pains
While norovirus is uncomfortable, it usually gets better on its own within about two days – although you can still be contagious for 48 hours after symptoms disappear.
The most important thing is to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. You should also aim to get plenty of rest and avoid going to work or school and try to eat when you feel able.
Paracetamol can help with headaches and body aches.
He has also isolated anyone showing signs of contracting the disease. The company said: “Princess Cruises can confirm that a limited number of guests reported mild gastrointestinal illness during Ruby Princess’ 20-day voyage from San Francisco on June 12.
“Our crew responded immediately by implementing improved sanitation protocols throughout the ship, and cases have since decreased and remain low.”
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