Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Apr 2: A norovirus outbreak has struck more than 230 passengers and crew aboard the luxury cruise liner Queen Mary 2 during its 29-day voyage from England to the Eastern Caribbean, as confirmed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the CDC, 224 out of 2,538 passengers and 17 crew members were affected by the gastrointestinal illness, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting. The infected individuals were isolated, and stringent sanitisation measures were enforced, reports The New York Times.

The outbreak was reported on March 18 after the ship’s stop in New York City. The vessel, which set sail from Southampton on March 8, continued its journey through St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, Dominica, St. Kitts, and Tortola. As of Tuesday, it was heading back to Southampton, expected to arrive on April 6.

Cunard Lines issued a statement assuring enhanced monitoring and deep cleaning onboard. "Thanks to the swift response from our crew and the additional measures in place, we are already seeing a reduction in reported cases," it said.

The Queen Mary 2, launched in 2004, is one of the world's largest ocean liners. It previously experienced a norovirus outbreak in 2013, leading to a "near-military-level" sanitisation operation.

Norovirus thrives in confined spaces like cruise ships, healthcare facilities, and dormitories, affecting up to 21 million Americans annually. The virus spreads through direct contact and contaminated food or water, with no specific treatment available, though most recover within days.

Cruise ships must report such outbreaks to the CDC, with case numbers reflecting the total affected over the journey rather than at any single time.