Gastrointestinal Illness Outbreak Strikes 70 Passengers on Coral Princess Cruise to Los Angeles

In a concerning health incident, a total of 70 individuals aboard the Coral Princess—a Princess Cruises ship—experienced severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhoea and vomiting, during a month-long journey from Singapore to Los Angeles. This health crisis has sparked widespread attention and raised questions about safety protocols on cruise ships.

Out of 1,822 passengers, 55 reported illness symptoms, with an additional 15 crew members also affected. The outbreak, which was initially identified on November 9, has been attributed to norovirus—a highly contagious virus known for causing gastrointestinal distress. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that norovirus can rapidly spread through contaminated food and surfaces, affecting individuals of all ages.

Symptoms of norovirus typically manifest within 12 to 48 hours following exposure, and can include fever, headaches, and body aches aside from gastrointestinal distress. Although many recover within one to three days, severe cases sometimes necessitate hospitalisation. The virus is often referred to as the "vomiting bug" due to its notorious effects.

The Coral Princess embarked on its journey on October 17, making several stops across Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Japan, before heading to Hawaii. The ship ultimately docked in Los Angeles on November 17, where affected passengers and crew were disembarked.

In response to the outbreak, Princess Cruises has taken action by enhancing cleaning and disinfection procedures on the ship. The company stated that it is collecting stool samples from those affected for further testing, with the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program actively monitoring the situation remotely. Their assessment includes reviewing the ship's outbreak response and sanitation practices.

This incident marks the 11th gastrointestinal illness outbreak linked to cruise ships under the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program in 2024, a troubling statistic that underscores the ongoing challenges cruises face amid deterring such health crises. In 2023, the CDC recorded 14 similar outbreaks.

As public awareness of the potential health risks associated with cruise travel grows, the need for improved sanitation protocols and quick response measures becomes ever more critical for protecting passengers in such confined environments. Stay tuned for updates as the CDC continues to investigate this outbreak and its implications for cruise safety worldwide.