An investigation has been opened after nearly 300 people fell ill on a cruise trip, according to information from ‘The Hill’.
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The Ruby Princess, which recently arrived in Galveston, Texas, reported that 284 passengers and 34 crew members fell ill. 2,881 people were on board the ship, including 1,159 staff. The boat came from the Caribbean and Mexico.
Patients had symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. However, no cause has been identified, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In a statement, Princess Cruises, of which the Ruby Princess is a part, believes that the probable cause is norovirus, a contagious virus that can cause acute gastroenteritis.
According to the company, a series of sanitation measures have been put in place to try to curb the spread of the virus. The ship was also disinfected in Galveston before leaving for another cruise during the week of March 5.
New travelers were also informed of reports of sick people.
More norovirus cases are being reported in the United States, showing an earlier upsurge compared to the previous season. Cases usually occur between November and April.
