Norovirus Prevention: A Holiday Traveler's Guide

Thirteen norovirus outbreaks have occurred on cruise ships in 2023, with the most recent outbreak affecting a Viking Cruises ship. Experts attribute the rise in cases to the highly-congested environments on cruise ships and the lack of exposure to common illnesses during the pandemic. Norovirus, the most common cause of gastroenteritis, spreads through consuming contaminated food or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Cruise ships have prevention programs in place, and passengers are advised to wash their hands thoroughly and report any illness to the ship's medical staff.