Cruise in danger: How to protect yourself from gastrointestinal viruses!

Cruise in danger: How to protect yourself from gastrointestinal viruses!

Cruises are a popular form of vacation, but they are often linked to gastrointestinal problems, particularly from norovirus outbreaks. In the first months of 2023, the US health authority CDC recorded exceptionally high numbers of cases. By mid-May, twelve norovirus outbreaks had already been recorded, almost as many as in the entire previous year, meaning cruise ships are considered high-risk areas.

The reasons for the increasing outbreaks are varied. Experts suspect that a new norovirus variant, coupled with low basic immunity in the population, especially in the USA, has exacerbated the situation. The cramped conditions on cruise ships also promote the spread of the virus through shared facilities, whereby a single infected passenger can easily infect several fellow passengers.

Risks on board

Norovirus is highly contagious and can quickly lead to waves of infection after contact with contaminated objects or food. Symptoms include sudden vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, headache and general weakness. Children and the elderly are particularly at risk as they are at greater risk of fluid loss. The CDC formally registers an outbreak when at least 3% of passengers or crew report symptoms.

A total of 15 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses were recorded in 2024, with norovirus identified as the main culprit. Such numbers can also be influenced by the accompanying circumstances, such as stress, time changes and climate changes during travel.

Preventive measures

To prevent gastrointestinal illnesses, the CDC recommends a number of preventive measures:

• Häufiges Händewaschen und Nutzung von Desinfektionsmitteln.
• Kontakt zu kranken Mitreisenden vermeiden.
• Nur sauberes Wasser trinken, insbesondere bei Landgängen in Ländern mit niedrigen Hygienestandards.
• Vorsicht bei Street-Food und Büfetts, insbesondere bei rohen oder halb gegarten Lebensmitteln.
• Erkrankungen sofort dem Bordpersonal melden.
• Ausreichend Ruhepausen einlegen.
• Kleinkinder aus Hygienegründen nicht in Pools lassen.

In addition, those affected are advised to drink a lot, although the drinks should contain sugar, salt and potassium. Adults can protect themselves against cholera and traveler's diarrhea with oral vaccinations. However, the following also applies to passengers suffering from gastrointestinal diseases: A ruling by the Rostock District Court determined that such an illness does not constitute a travel deficiency, which means that affected travelers cannot claim a refund of the travel price or compensation.

Overall, it remains important to be aware of the risks of cruising and take appropriate precautions to ensure a healthy trip. This information is based on reports from Travel reporter and ZDF today.