Norovirus on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship that traveled to Haiti and Jamaica sickened 332 passengers on a five-day trip, the second such outbreak within a month.
The cruise line confirmed the illnesses over the weekend. A total of 5,547 passengers and crew were on the Independence of the Seas cruise ship.
Norovirus is a contagious stomach ailment that causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Medical staff on the ship gave passengers over-the-counter medication to treat the virus and the cruise line handed out letters to inform everyone about the illness’ presence on board.
Some of the passengers complained, however, when the wait for medical attention stretched to over four hours and the ship nearly ran out of water and supplies trying to keep everything clean and safe, USA Today reported.
It was the second time in less than a month that a Royal Caribbean ship had a norovirus outbreak: A cruise from Singapore to Australia that ended Dec. 7 saw more than 200 on board sickened by norovirus and five hospitalized, USA Today reported.
Most people recover from the virus without treatment, but some, especially the young and elderly, as well as those with compromised immune systems, require more serious medical attention or hospitalization.
The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person or through food service or laundry services, which means it can spread quickly in enclosed spaces.
More than 685 million cases of norovirus are reported each year worldwide.
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