Investigation Update on the Horizon

Investigation Update - April 1, 2004

Celebrity Cruises reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the ship, Horizon, for the voyage completed on April 2, 2004 (sailing dates: 3/22-4/2/2004) in Tampa, FL.

On March 31, Celebrity Cruises contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Horizon passengers were experiencing GI illness. At 5:53 a.m., EST on April 1, the ship’s medical staff reported that 49 of 1250 (3.92%) passengers and 5 of 679 (0.74%) crew members were ill. Predominant symptoms were diarrhea, vomiting, and low grade fever.

Celebrity Cruises provided special daily reports to VSP throughout the next voyage; no significant levels of GI illnesses were reported. Lab specimens tested positive for norovirus.