Alaska cruise struck by third suspected norovirus outbreak in weeks

A cruise ship sailing in Alaska has reported its third gastrointestinal illness outbreak in just two months, with 18 passengers becoming ill during its latest voyage, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The outbreak occurred aboard Lindblad Expeditions' National Geographic Sea Bird during a cruise between 10 and 15 July.

The CDC said 18 of the 62 passengers on board developed symptoms including vomiting and abdominal cramps.

According to the agency, the cause of the latest outbreak is currently listed as unknown. However, the ship's previous two outbreaks, reported in May and June, were confirmed to be norovirus, a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

In response, the cruise operator isolated sick passengers and crew, collected stool samples for testing, consulted with the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program, and increased cleaning and disinfection procedures.

The CDC said it is “remotely monitoring the situation,” including the cruise line's sanitation measures and outbreak response.

The agency noted that cruise operators are required to report gastrointestinal illnesses quickly to help identify outbreaks and prevent further spread.

It also said “norovirus is often a cause of gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships,” although confirming the source of an outbreak can take time.

Norovirus is commonly spread through contaminated food, water, surfaces or close contact with an infected person.