Investigation Update on the Veendam

Investigation Update - October 5, 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 October 30, 2004, (sailing dates: 9/26-10/14/2004) in San Diego, CA.

On October 2, 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. On October 3, the ship’s medical staff reported that 39 of 1230 (3.17%) passengers and 2 of 557 (0.36%) crew members were ill. Predominant symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.

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.