Travel Advice/Travel Tips -  Noroviruses and cruise ships

Noroviruses are a group of viruses (previously known as Norwalk-like viruses) that can affect the stomach and intestines.

• These viruses can cause people to have gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and the large intestines.
• Gastroenteritis is sometimes called a calicivirus infection or food poisoning, even though it may not always be related to food.
• Norovirus is sometimes called the “stomach flu,” although it is not related to the flu (a common respiratory illness cause by the influenza virus).
• This illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick.

Normally the illness lasts about 1 to 2 days. Children often vomit more than adults.

Symptoms caused by noroviruses

Common Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping

• Less common symptoms: low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and tiredness

Where noroviruses are found

• Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people and on infected surfaces that have been touched by people ill with the virus.
• Outbreaks occur more often where there are more people in a small area, such as nursing homes, restaurants, catered events, and cruise ships.

Reasons why noroviruses are associated with cruise ships

• Health officials track illness on cruise ships. Therefore, outbreaks are found and reported more quickly on a cruise ship than on land.
• Close living quarters may increase the amount of group contact.
• New passenger arrivals may bring the virus to other passengers and crew.

How noroviruses are spread

People can become infected with the virus by:

• Eating food or drinking liquids infected with noroviruses
• Touching surfaces or objects infected with noroviruses and then touching own mouth, nose, or eyes
• Having person-to-person contact (with a norovirus-infected person) by
  • being present while someone is vomiting
  • sharing food or eating from the same utensils
  • caring for a sick person
  • shaking hands
• Not washing hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.

Norovirus infections are not usually serious

• Noroviruses are highly contagious, but infections are not usually serious.
• People may feel very sick and vomit often or get diarrhea, becoming dehydrated if lost liquids are not replaced.
• Most people recover within 1 or 2 days and have no long-term adverse health effects.

What to do if you get a norovirus

• Advise the medical staff of your illness. Drink plenty of fluids. Wash hands often.

How to prevent getting and spreading noroviruses

• Wash hands often.
• Wash hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.
• Wash hands more often when someone in your home is sick.
• For hand washing tips, see our articles on hand washing and keeping those hands clean.
• Avoid shaking hands during outbreaks.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer along with hand washing.

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