Investigation Update on the Noordam

Cruise Line: Holland America Line

Cruise Ship: Noordam

Voyage Dates: 1/5-1/16

Number of ill passengers out of total number of passengers: 103 of 1980 (5.2%)

Number of ill crew out of total number of crew: 12 of 816 (1.47%)

Predominant symptoms: diarrhea and vomiting

Actions: In response to the outbreak, Holland America Line and the crew aboard the ship took the following actions:

• increased cleaning and disinfection procedures;
• sent senior environmental health specialists for additional support;
• collected stool specimens for analysis;
• informed travel agents of the illness;
• delayed the time of embarkation;
• sent daily updates to CDC and until the number of ill people returned to expected levels.

On January 16th, VSP staff boarded the ship to conduct a targeted environmental health assessment and make recommendations. During the following voyage (sailing dates: 1/16-1/26), the number of people that reported being ill returned to expected levels.