A gastrointestinal outbreak aboard a Royal Caribbean International cruise has left over 140 people sick, prompting an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The ship departed Los Angeles on July 4 and returned on July 11 after sailing to Mexico. During the trip, 134 passengers and 7 crew members became ill with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. The ship was carrying 3,914 passengers and 1,266 crew members.
The CDC confirmed the outbreak was reported on the final day of the voyage. Although the exact cause has not yet been identified, stool samples were collected from several individuals for further testing.
In response to the outbreak, Royal Caribbean increased cleaning efforts, isolated anyone showing symptoms and worked with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.
A company spokesperson told USA TODAY that the health and safety of guests, crew and the communities they visit remain the top priority. “To maintain an environment that supports the highest levels of health and safety onboard our ships, we implement rigorous cleaning procedures, many of which far exceed public health guidelines,” the statement read.
The CDC continues to monitor the situation as they await test results and determine the source of the outbreak.
