A suspected outbreak of Norovirus has left nearly 80 people ill aboard a cruise ship operated by Holland America Line, according to health authorities in Hong Kong.
Officials said 65 passengers and 11 crew members on the MS Westerdam reported symptoms of acute gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. The vessel, carrying about 2,800 passengers, had departed from Yokohama, Japan, on 15 February.
The Centre for Health Protection boarded the ship on 1 March to investigate the incident and collect samples from affected individuals. Laboratory tests confirmed that stool samples from several passengers tested positive for norovirus.
Holland America Line said most cases were mild and resolved quickly, adding that the company implemented enhanced sanitation procedures and additional deep cleaning when the ship completed its sailing in Hong Kong.
Health officials noted that outbreaks of norovirus are relatively common in crowded environments such as cruise ships, schools and hotels, where the virus can spread rapidly.
Authorities have advised travellers to maintain strict hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing, as infected individuals can continue spreading the virus for up to two weeks after symptoms subside.
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