Public health officials have been raising the red flag with the return of Norovirus and Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks epidemics associated with cruise ships. In The New York Times on Monday, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an outbreak of nearly 2,400 cases of Norovirus in the U.S. since last summer. One strain, GII.17, is behind approximately 80% of these infections. This variant strain is particularly concerning because it’s a new subtype to the population, resulting in increased susceptibility and transmission.
Norovirus Incredibly contagious, norovirus can quickly spread through a population, infecting people readily as there is little to no immunity built up toward this virus. Food safety expert Donald Schaffner of Rutgers University says that those infected with Norovirus can shed tens of billions of viral particles. Even limited exposure to these tiny particles can have fatal health consequences. Schaffner advises that if someone is seen vomiting in public spaces, it may indicate a Norovirus infection, urging others to “immediately walk away from them, ideally into the wind.”
The recent CDC report on Norovirus outbreaks underscores how dire the situation is. This indicates that the GII.17 strain has significantly contributed to the recent increase in cases. Lee-Ann Jaykus, a food microbiologist and virologist at North Carolina State University, emphasized the strain’s novelty and the potential for widespread contamination on cruise ships.
In addition to Norovirus threats, the CDC’s October 2024 report revealed incidents of Legionnaires’ disease connected to private hot tubs on cruise ships. This initially led to twelve case reports between November 2022 and June 2024, with ten requiring hospitalization. The CDC specifically noted that environmental and laboratory evidence suggests private balcony hot tubs were important sources of exposure. These hot tubs were all major contributors during the outbreaks. The report noted that “these devices are subject to less stringent operating requirements than are public hot tubs, and operating protocols were insufficient to prevent Legionella growth.”
To avoid these serious health risks, travelers should take steps to enjoy hot tubs safely. A CDC spokesperson suggested that “travelers can use test strips to test hot tub water to find out if the hot tub is being properly operated.”
With cruise lines operating during an ongoing COVID & Mpox outbreak, industry professionals encourage caution among travelers and involved personnel. Schaffner humorously remarked that “if you want to have no disease outbreaks, all you have to do is fire all the epidemiologists,” highlighting the need for effective monitoring and response measures.
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