‘People were throwing up in restaurants’: Gut-wrenching virus sweeps through cruise ship
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Cruise holidays are meant to be a relaxing escape, offering luxury, adventure, and unforgettable experiences at sea.
But when unexpected health risks emerge, the dream can quickly turn into a distressing ordeal.
Passengers on a cruise are battling a fast-spreading illness, sparking concerns over onboard safety.
A luxury cruise through Northern Europe turned into a nightmare as a severe norovirus outbreak swept through P&O's Iona, leaving passengers falling ill in alarming numbers.
The massive vessel carried over 5,000 guests and nearly 2,000 staff.
It became the epicentre of a highly contagious virus known for causing vomiting, diarrhoea, cramps, and severe gastrointestinal distress.
Hundreds of passengers reportedly succumbed to the illness, with reports stating that the outbreak worsened as the voyage continued.
The ship remained offshore near Belgium while staff attempted to isolate infected individuals and limit their movement both onboard and during land-based excursions.
‘People were throwing up in restaurants, on decks, outside cabins,’ a passenger shared.
‘A large number of guests and staff are experiencing the virus symptoms.’
P&O Cruises confirmed reports of passengers experiencing symptoms but declined to comment on how many crew members had been affected.
‘P&O Cruises works with global, national and regional public health authorities on approved and proven protocols across our ships in order to protect the health and wellbeing of all on board,’ a spokesperson said.
‘Gastrointestinal related illness is very common in the UK and is predominantly spread by person to person transmission in environments such as hotels, schools and restaurants.’
Norovirus, a leading cause of gastroenteritis, typically results in severe stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Symptoms usually appeared 12 to 48 hours after exposure, with recovery taking up to three days.
Dehydration was a significant concern, especially for elderly passengers who were more vulnerable to severe symptoms.
The virus spread rapidly through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and person-to-person contact, making cruise ships a high-risk environment.
Unsanitary food handling and close quarters further increased the likelihood of transmission.
P&O Cruises was contacted for further comment.
Health experts warn that norovirus spreads rapidly in close quarters, making outbreaks like this especially concerning for travellers.
Watch the video below to learn more about norovirus and how it spreads.
In a previous story, a food scientist revealed which everyday foods could pose hidden health risks.
With outbreaks like this cruise ship illness, understanding what we consume is more important than ever.
Read more to see which foods you might want to avoid.
Cruise holidays promise relaxation and adventure, but outbreaks like this raise serious concerns about health and safety at sea.
Have you ever experienced an illness while travelling? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
But when unexpected health risks emerge, the dream can quickly turn into a distressing ordeal.
Passengers on a cruise are battling a fast-spreading illness, sparking concerns over onboard safety.
A luxury cruise through Northern Europe turned into a nightmare as a severe norovirus outbreak swept through P&O's Iona, leaving passengers falling ill in alarming numbers.
The massive vessel carried over 5,000 guests and nearly 2,000 staff.
It became the epicentre of a highly contagious virus known for causing vomiting, diarrhoea, cramps, and severe gastrointestinal distress.
Hundreds of passengers reportedly succumbed to the illness, with reports stating that the outbreak worsened as the voyage continued.
The ship remained offshore near Belgium while staff attempted to isolate infected individuals and limit their movement both onboard and during land-based excursions.
‘People were throwing up in restaurants, on decks, outside cabins,’ a passenger shared.
‘A large number of guests and staff are experiencing the virus symptoms.’
P&O Cruises confirmed reports of passengers experiencing symptoms but declined to comment on how many crew members had been affected.
‘P&O Cruises works with global, national and regional public health authorities on approved and proven protocols across our ships in order to protect the health and wellbeing of all on board,’ a spokesperson said.
‘Gastrointestinal related illness is very common in the UK and is predominantly spread by person to person transmission in environments such as hotels, schools and restaurants.’
Norovirus, a leading cause of gastroenteritis, typically results in severe stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Symptoms usually appeared 12 to 48 hours after exposure, with recovery taking up to three days.
Dehydration was a significant concern, especially for elderly passengers who were more vulnerable to severe symptoms.
The virus spread rapidly through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and person-to-person contact, making cruise ships a high-risk environment.
Unsanitary food handling and close quarters further increased the likelihood of transmission.
P&O Cruises was contacted for further comment.
Health experts warn that norovirus spreads rapidly in close quarters, making outbreaks like this especially concerning for travellers.
Watch the video below to learn more about norovirus and how it spreads.
In a previous story, a food scientist revealed which everyday foods could pose hidden health risks.
With outbreaks like this cruise ship illness, understanding what we consume is more important than ever.
Read more to see which foods you might want to avoid.
Cruise holidays promise relaxation and adventure, but outbreaks like this raise serious concerns about health and safety at sea.
Have you ever experienced an illness while travelling? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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