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

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

Rostock, Deutschland - cruises are a popular form of vacation, but they are often related to gastrointestinal problems, especially through Norovirus outbreaks. In the first months of 2023, the US health authority CDC recorded exceptionally high number of cases. By mid-May, twelve outbursts of Norovirus have already been counted, almost as many as in the entire previous year, which means that cruise ships are considered high-risk areas.

The reasons for the increasing outbreaks are diverse. Experts suspect that a new Norovirus variant, paired with a low basic immunity among the population, especially in the United States, has tightened the situation. The tightness on cruise ships also promotes the spread of the virus through community systems, which means that a single infected passenger can easily infect several fellow travelers.

risks on board

Norovirus is highly contagious and can quickly lead to infection waves after contact with contaminated objects or foods. The symptoms include sudden vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, headache and general weakness. Children and older people are particularly at risk because they are exposed to a higher risk of loss of fluid. The CDC formally registers an outbreak if at least 3% of the passengers or crew report symptoms.

In 2024, a total of 15 outbreaks of gastrointestinal diseases were registered, with Norovirus being identified as the main cause. Such numbers can also be influenced by the accompanying circumstances such as stress, time change and climate change during travel.

preventive measures

In order to prevent gastrointestinal diseases, the CDC recommends a number of preventive measures:

• frequent washing hands and use of disinfectants.
• Avoid contact with sick fellow travelers.
• only drink clean water, especially in landals in countries with low hygiene standards.
• Caution at street food and buffets, especially with raw or half-cooked foods.
• diseases immediately report the on -board staff.
• insert enough breaks.
• small children do not leave in pools for hygiene reasons.

In addition, those affected are advised to drink a lot, whereby the drinks should contain sugar, salt and potassium. Adults can protect themselves against cholera and travel diarrhea through swallowing vaccinations. For passengers who suffer from gastrointestinal diseases, however, the following also applies: A judgment of the Rostock District Court found that such a disease is not a lack of travel, which means that affected travelers cannot request reimbursement of the travel price or compensation.

Overall, it remains important to be aware of the risks of cruises and take suitable precautions to ensure a healthy journey. This information is based on reports by Reisere reporter and ZDF today .