A norovirus outbreak has impacted the luxury cruise ship AIDAdiva, leaving more than one hundred passengers ill during their 133-day world tour. As of November 30, a total of 95 out of 2,007 passengers and six staff members have been affected, forcing those infected to isolate in their cabins while the ship undergoes extensive cleaning efforts.
Passengers aboard the AIDAdiva, which departed from Hamburg, Germany on November 10, are experiencing their seventh day of illness. This cruise, a once-in-a-lifetime journey, has taken them from the picturesque shores of Weymouth, UK, across the Atlantic to North America, and now through Latin America. However, the outbreak coincided with the ship’s docking at Cozumel, Mexico, the largest Caribbean island in the country.
Despite the significant number of infections, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that fewer than 6% of those on board are currently experiencing symptoms, which include vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle weakness. The affected passengers are being monitored closely, while the ship’s crew is implementing rigorous disinfection procedures to prevent further spread.
Cruise ships are mandated to report all gastrointestinal outbreaks to the CDC. Michael Zimring, director of the Center for Wilderness and Travel Medicine at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, indicates that such outbreaks are relatively common on cruise ships. The combination of high passenger density in confined spaces creates an environment conducive to the rapid spread of infections.
“In close quarters, the virus does not dissipate; everything is concentrated,” Zimring explained in an interview with National Geographic. The CDC has documented 21 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships this year alone, with most caused by norovirus. This virus has been responsible for 15 of 18 outbreaks in 2024 and 13 of 14 in 2023.
Looking ahead, the AIDAdiva has several scheduled stops in the upcoming weeks, including Guatemala and Costa Rica, before crossing the Pacific to destinations such as Japan and South Korea. The ship is set to return to Hamburg on March 23, 2024, after visiting various countries, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Portugal.
Earlier this year, the CDC noted that the incidence of cruise ship outbreaks has increased compared to pre-pandemic levels. While this trend is concerning, officials have not yet determined if it indicates a permanent shift in patterns. The agency has also pointed out that a new dominant strain of norovirus is currently linked to outbreaks on land, which may parallel the situation on cruise ships.
As the AIDAdiva navigates these challenges, passengers remain hopeful for a swift resolution, allowing them to resume their extraordinary voyage.
