Investigation Update on the Queen Elizabeth 2

Investigation Update - January 19, 2004

Cunard Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal illness (GI) on the cruise ship Queen Elizabeth 2 for the voyage completed on January 19, 2004, (sailing dates: 1/5-1/19) in Los Angeles, CA.

On January 18, 2004 Cunard Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Queen Elizabeth 2 passengers were experiencing GI. As of January 19, the ship’s medical staff reported that 29 of 1563 (1.86%) passengers and 46 of 1008 (4.56%) crew members were ill. The predominant symptom was diarrhea.

The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection, and Cunard Cruise Line provided special daily reports to VSP throughout the following voyage; no significant levels of GI illnesses were reported. Lab specimens were not obtained.