NEW DELHI: According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a norovirus outbreak on the luxury cruise ship Queen Mary 2 has affected 224 passengers and 17 crew members. The ship, operated by Cunard Line, was en route from England to the Eastern Caribbean at the time of the outbreak, The New York Times reported.

Currently located in the North West Atlantic Ocean, the Queen Mary 2 is making its way back to Southampton. The ship carries 2,538 passengers and 1,232 crew members, with a total of 241 individuals affected by the virus, which causes symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.

The outbreak was first reported on March 18 when the ship made a stop in New York, according to the Cruise Mapper tracking site.

Measures Taken on Board

In response to the outbreak, Cunard issued a statement confirming that the ship had undergone a deep cleaning and that passengers were being closely monitored. "Thanks to the swift actions of our crew and additional preventative measures, we are seeing a decline in reported cases," the statement said.

The CDC noted that enhanced cleaning protocols had been implemented, and ill passengers and crew members were isolated. Additionally, samples were collected for testing to further understand the situation.

The Queen Mary 2 departed from Southampton on March 8 for a 29-day round-trip voyage to the Eastern Caribbean, which is set to conclude on April 6. The cruise has already made stops in New York, St. Lucia, Barbados, and Dominica, among other destinations, as per Cruise Mapper's tracking.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Often referred to as the "stomach flu" or "stomach bug," it spreads quickly through contact with infected individuals, contaminated food or beverages, and surfaces. While symptoms typically subside within two to three days, individuals can continue to spread the virus for up to two weeks.

To reduce the risk of infection, health experts recommend frequent hand washing, thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables, cooking shellfish properly, disinfecting contaminated surfaces, and washing laundry in hot water. It is also advised to stay home for at least two days after recovering to avoid spreading the virus.