Investigation Update on the Veendam

Investigation Update - April 30, 2004

Holland America Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Veendam, for the voyage completed on May 5, 2004, (sailing dates: 4/17-5/5/2004) in Seattle, Washington.

On April 25, Holland America Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Veendam passengers and some crew members were experiencing GI illness. At 12:00 p.m., ET, on May 3, the ship’s medical staff reported that 91 of 1238 (7.35%) passengers and 7 of 557 (1.26%) crew members were ill.

The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. Holland America provided special daily reports to VSP throughout the next voyage; no significant levels of GI illnesses were reported. Stool specimens were submitted and tested positive for norovirus.