Dream vacation becomes nightmare as dozens fall ill in suspected norovirus outbreak on cruise ship

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Nearly 80 people fell ill with a suspected norovirus outbreak on a majorcruise shipin February.

On March 1, The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) boarded Holland America’s Westerdam ship to investigate a massive outbreak in Hong Kong.

Among the approximately 2,800 passengers on board, 65 guests and 11 crew members developed symptoms of acute gastroenteritis.Symptoms included diarrhea, vomiting and fever.

“During the previous voyage of Westerdam from Yokohama, Japan to Hong Kong, a number of guests reported symptoms of gastrointestinal illness,�

“The cases were mostly mild and quickly resolving,” the statement continued.

Nearly 80 people got sick with a suspected norovirus outbreak on a Holland America cruise ship in Asia.(iStock)

“As a precaution and consistent with our standard protocols, we implemented enhanced sanitation procedures and conducted additional deep cleaning when the ship completed its sailing in Hong Kong,” the cruise line added.

CDC REPORTS FIRST CRUISE NOROVIRUS OUTBREAK THIS YEAR, AS NEARLY 90 PEOPLE ARE INFECTED

The ship had calls atports including Japan, Busan in Korea and Shanghai on the Chinese Mainland.

Testing by the ship’s lab found that stool samples from seven patients tested positive for norovirus.The CHP planned to conduct additional testing.

“We implemented enhanced sanitation procedures and conducted additional deep cleaning when the ship completed its sailing.”

“The two passengers who fell ill first boarded the cruise ship in Japan on Feb.15 and developed symptoms on the same day,” according to a press release from the Hong Kong government.

“Subsequently, other individuals were affected.”

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Dr.Edwin Tsui, controller of the CHP, said in the release, “After inspecting the cruise ship, the CHP personnel briefed the affected individuals and the operator onhealth adviceand necessary infection control measures, including thorough disinfection … and attention to personal and environmental hygiene.”

Norovirus outbreak on Holland America in 2026

Sixty-five guests and 11 crew members fell ill on a Holland America cruise in Hong Kong.(iStock)

The CHP suggested the Holland America ship enhance training for the cleaning staff.Passengers and crew members who were confirmed in good health were allowed to disembark.

Once authorities made sure the vessel had undergone detailed cleaning and disinfection, and the hygiene conditions were viewed as satisfactory, new passengers and crew were allowed to board the cruise ship.That ship then departed Hong Kong for the Philippines.

personal, food and environmental hygieneto safeguard individual health and public health,” Tsui added.

Another Holland America cruise ship was also ravaged by a virus in 2026.