Investigation Update - December 9, 2002
Investigation Update - December 9, 2002
- During the span of October 2002 through December 2002, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) investigated several instances of gastrointestinal illness
aboard cruise ships. VSP worked closely with cruise industry
officials to identify the causes for the following are updates of investigations:
- Holland America’s Amsterdam;
- Disney’s Disney Magic;
- Carnival’s Fascination; and
- P & O's Oceana.
Holland America's Amsterdam
- The Amsterdam returned to service on December 1, and its staff has been providing daily reports to
CDC. Illness reports have been well below the level of concern. As of December 9, the vessel reported
that 9 of 1,190 passengers and 2 of 577 crew experienced a gastrointestinal illness. The Amsterdam
returns to port on December 11. No additional follow-up is required at this time.
Disney's Disney Magic
- After a week of extensive cleaning and disinfection, the Disney Magic returned to service on
December 7. The Magic will be providing CDC with daily reports through the end of its current cruise.
Carnival's Fascination
- Food and water samples taken from the Fascination for the cruise ending December 2, 2002 are
still pending.
- As of December 9, the vessel has completed two additional cruises. CDC’s vessel sanitation staff was
notified by the Fascination’s medical staff reported that for the cruise ending December 6, 13 of 2,042
passengers and 12 of 907 crew had reported gastrointestinal illness. For the cruise ending December 9, 6
of 2038 passengers and 7 of 922 crew reported ill. No other follow-up is planned by CDC.
P & O's Oceana
- On December 7, CDC staff boarded the Oceana to conduct interviews with ill passengers and crew. CDC
staff will also conduct an environmental assessment and will expedite the collection of stool specimens
for shipment back to CDC. As of December 9, the vessel’s medical staff notified CDC that 197 of 1,859
passengers and 15 of 868 crew had reported to the ship’s infirmary with gastrointestinal illness. All of
the passengers originated in the United Kingdom and flew on chartered aircraft to Ft. Lauderdale, the
point of embarkation. Most of the ill passengers were reported to be on one chartered flight originating
in Manchester, United Kingdom. On November 29, the vessel underwent a routine, unannounced inspection.
The Oceana scored 95 out of 100 points.
General Information
- Cruise ship travelers are reminded that simple hygienic practices, such as frequent and thorough
hand washing and avoiding contact with other passengers when ill, are important measures to prevent the
spread of disease.
- Additional information about CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program is available at
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp.
- Additional information on gastrointestinal diseases is available at
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/gastro.htm.
- Information on Norwalk-like viruses is available at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr5009.pdf.
CDC protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries;
enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes
healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations.
- For more information, CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program can be reached at vsp@cdc.gov.