Norovirus Outbreak on Queen Mary 2 Affects Passengers and Crew
A significant norovirus outbreak has occurred aboard the Queen Mary 2, a luxury cruise ship operated by Cunard Line, with confirmed reports of illness affecting 224 passengers and 17 crew members. This announcement was made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Voyage Details
The Queen Mary 2 set sail on March 8, 2025, from Southampton, England, embarking on a month-long journey that includes stops in New York and various destinations in the Caribbean. The ship is scheduled to return to the United Kingdom on April 6.
Response to the Outbreak
The CDC was alerted to the outbreak on March 18. In light of the situation, the ship’s crew has intensified cleaning and disinfection efforts, collected stool samples for further testing, and isolated those who are ill to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Understanding Norovirus
Norovirus, commonly known as the “stomach flu” or “stomach bug,” is highly contagious and a prevalent cause of gastrointestinal infections. It leads to symptoms including:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Fever
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Dehydration
The CDC emphasizes that norovirus is the primary cause of foodborne illnesses in the United States. In 2025 alone, the CDC has recorded 12 gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships.
Statistics on Norovirus
According to the CDC, this virus causes approximately 19 to 21 million illnesses in the U.S. each year, leading to an estimated 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths.
Transmission Routes
Infection occurs through:
- Direct contact with an infected individual
- Sharing food or utensils with an infected person
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one’s face or mouth
- Consuming food or drinks that have been contaminated
Symptoms typically manifest between 12 to 48 hours post-exposure but generally resolve within a few days for most healthy adults.
Treatment and Prevention
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for norovirus. Management focuses on alleviating symptoms, primarily through hydration. The CDC advises drinking fluids that replace lost electrolytes, which are often depleted during bouts of vomiting and diarrhea.
To prevent the spread of norovirus, effective hygiene practices are crucial. These include:
- Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly
- Cooking shellfish to an internal temperature of at least 145°F
Cunard Line has been contacted for further comments regarding the outbreak and measures being taken aboard the ship.