Investigation Update on the Celebration

Investigation Update - February 21, 2005

Carnival Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Celebration, for the voyage completed on February 21, 2005, (sailing dates: 02/17-02/21/2005) in Jacksonville, FL.

On February 20, 2005, Carnival Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Celebration passengers and crew members were experiencing GI illness. On February 20, the ship’s medical staff reported that 89 of 1692 (5.26%) passengers and 35 of 688 (5.09%) crew members were ill. Predominant symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea.

The ship's staff implemented additional cleaning and disinfection procedures. Stool specimens were collected and tested positive for norovirus. Medical staff provided daily updates of gastrointestinal illness until the number of ill people returned to expected levels (voyage with sailing dates: 2/26/05-3/3/05).