Norovirus Outbreak on Queen Mary 2 Affects Over 230 During Caribbean Cruise**

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that 224 passengers and 17 crew members experienced gastrointestinal symptoms during a luxury cruise from England to the Caribbean, prompting immediate health and sanitation measures.**

More than 230 people, comprising both passengers and crew, have been reported ill with norovirus aboard the Queen Mary 2, a prominent luxury cruise liner, during its recent 29-day journey from England to the Caribbean, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The ship, which embarked from Southampton, England, on March 8, experienced the outbreak on March 18 following a stop in New York City. The CDC noted that the outbreak affected 224 of the 2,538 passengers and 17 crew members, leading to symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting among those infected.

In response to the outbreak, the cruise line has implemented isolation protocols for affected individuals and initiated thorough sanitization efforts on board the vessel. Cunard, the cruise line operating the Queen Mary 2, assured the public in a statement that guests are being monitored closely and that the crew's swift response has contributed to a decline in reported illness cases.

Following its itinerary, the Queen Mary 2 also visited several Caribbean destinations including St. Maarten, St. Lucia, and Barbados before returning through the Atlantic Ocean to Southampton, scheduled for arrival on April 6. The Queen Mary 2, launched in 2004, is recognized as one of the largest ocean liners globally.

Norovirus, known for its rapid spread in confined settings such as cruise ships and healthcare facilities, affects an estimated 21 million Americans annually, according to CDC estimates. It spreads primarily through contact with infected individuals or contaminated food and water. With no specific treatment available, those infected typically recover within a few days. The CDC mandates reporting of outbreaks on cruise ships, which counts the total number of persons affected throughout the cruise rather than the active cases present at a given time.

Previous norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships have been reported by the CDC, including a recent incident involving the Seabourn Encore and a Holland America cruise. The health challenges faced by cruise operators highlight the importance of stringent sanitation measures to maintain guest safety amid ongoing public health concerns.