Investigation Update on the Zenith

Investigation Update - April 9, 2004

Celebrity Cruises reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Zenith, for the voyage completed on April 11, 2004, (sailing dates: 3/28-4/11/2004) in Jacksonville, FL.

On April 8, Celebrity Cruises contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Zenith passengers and crew members were experiencing GI illness. At 11:30 a.m. ET on April 10, the ship’s medical staff reported that 59 of 1338 (4.41%) passengers and 7 of 668 (1.05%) crew members were ill. The predominant symptom was diarrhea.

The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. Celebrity Cruises provided special daily reports to VSP; no significant levels of GI illnesses were reported. Lab specimens were submitted and tested positive for norovirus.