Investigation Update on the Silver Shadow

Investigation Update - August 5, 2004

Silverseas Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the ship, Silver Shadow, for the voyage completed on August 6, 2004, in San Francisco, CA (sailing dates: July 26-August 6).

On August 4, Silverseas Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Silver Shadow passengers were experiencing GI illness. On August 4 at 3:23 p.m., the ship’s medical staff reported that 13 of 371 (3.50%) passengers and 5 of 289 (1.73%) crew members were ill. The predominant symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea.

The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. Silverseas Cruise Line provided VSP with special daily reports regarding any incidence of GI illness; no significant levels of GI illnesses were reported. Stool specimens were collected and the causative agent is unknown.