(The Hill) – More people experienced gastrointestinal illnesses while aboard a cruise ship in 2024 than in any other year since 2012, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC reported that there were 16 outbreaks of stomach illnesses aboard cruise ships last year, which affected 1,894 passengers and 245 crew members. The data shows that there were also 16 outbreaks of stomach bugs in 2012.
Stomach illnesses plunged, however, during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the cruise ship industry shut down for more than a year and then restarted with limited capacity and more cleaning protocols in place.
“Prevention measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic were likely effective in preventing norovirus outbreaks,” Marisa Lubeck, a health communication specialist with the CDC, previously told Nexstar. “As pandemic restrictions have relaxed, the number of norovirus outbreaks has returned to levels similar to pre-pandemic years.”
As for the 2024 outbreaks, five of those were recorded in December alone, according to CDC data. Those outbreaks caused 781 passengers and 109 crew members to become ill, with most of those experiencing diarrhea and vomiting.
In three of the five outbreaks, norovirus — the highly contagious virus that causes stomach illnesses — was the main culprit, officials reported. CDC data shows that of the 16 outbreaks, 14 were caused by norovirus while the other two were brought on by E. coli and salmonella.
The CDC also noted that norovirus cases have continued to increase around the U.S. The agency said that most cases of the virus are seen between November and April. However, federal health officials warn that cases of the virus can be seen at any time.
On an annual basis, norovirus causes an average of 19 million to 21 million illnesses and more than 100,000 hospitalizations, according to the Washington Post. Health experts told the outlet that cases of the virus can become more prevalent in crowded, semi-enclosed environments that are often found on cruise ships.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) — an industry association comprised of major cruise lines — has sought to dispel the misconception that norovirus is a “cruise ship disease,” citing previous CDC reporting that showed ship-based outbreaks account for less than 1% of total reported outbreaks in the U.S. The CDC has noted, however, that outbreaks on cruise ships can be “especially challenging to control” because passengers share recreational and dining spaces.
The most common setting for norovirus outbreaks in the U.S. are actually long-term health facilities and hospitals. Outbreaks stemming from restaurants, catered events, schools and childcare centers are also more common than cruise-based outbreaks, according to CDC data.
Nexstar’s Michael Bartiromo contributed to this article.
