Investigation Update on the Mercury

Cruise Line: Holland America Line

Cruise Ship: Zuiderdam

Voyage Dates: 04/20 - 05/08

Number of passengers who have reported being ill during the voyage out of total number of passengers: 73 of 1,846 (3.95%)

Number of crew who have reported being ill during the voyage out of total number of crew: 5 of 793 (0.63%)

Predominant symptoms: diarrhea and vomiting

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

• Increased cleaning and disinfection procedures according to their outbreak prevention and response plan
• Made announcements to both notify passengers and encourage case reporting
• Collected 6 stool specimens for submission to the CDC lab
• Making daily reports of gastrointestinal illness cases to the VSP and now Health Canada

As this cruise is terminating in Canada, CDC has been in communication with them on data submitted and Health Canada will evaluate the ship when it arrives in Vancouver.