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An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness affected 89 passengers and 2 crew members aboard the Radiance of the Seas, a cruise ship from Royal Caribbean International, during a journey that began on February 1 and will conclude next Saturday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the affected individuals, 4.1% of the 2,164 passengers, exhibited symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting, while only 0.2% of the 910 crew members reported feeling ill.
Nonetheless, the entity emphasized in its report that the cause of the outbreak has not yet been identified.
In response, the cruise line activated its outbreak prevention and response protocol, enhancing cleaning and disinfection procedures and isolating sick passengers and crew members.
Samples were also collected for laboratory analysis, and health monitoring measures were implemented in consultation with the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP).
The VSP is remotely monitoring the situation, reviewing the response procedures and sanitation of the ship.
Although norovirus is usually the most common cause of these outbreaks on cruise ships, laboratory tests are still pending to confirm the responsible agent.
Health authorities remind that reporting symptoms of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is essential for containing these outbreaks on ships, as it allows for early detection and a better health response.
So far this year, there have been at least six outbreaks on cruise ships in 2025, according to the CDC.
In last January, the Supreme Court of the United States announced that it would review a high-profile case in which Havana Docks Corporation accuses several cruise companies, including Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. of violating the embargo on Cuba by using port facilities that were confiscated after the Cuban revolution.
The legal process has escalated to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which granted a stay of the mandate in favor of the plaintiff.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Gastrointestinal Outbreak on the Royal Caribbean Cruise
How many people were affected by the gastrointestinal outbreak on the Radiance of the Seas cruise?
A total of 89 passengers and 2 crew members were affected by the gastrointestinal outbreak aboard the Radiance of the Seas.
What measures did Royal Caribbean take to control the outbreak on the cruise ship?
The cruise line activated its prevention and response protocol for outbreaks, enhancing cleaning and disinfection procedures, isolating the sick, and collecting samples for laboratory analysis.
What is the likely cause of the gastrointestinal outbreak on the Radiance of the Seas?
Although norovirus is usually the most common cause of these outbreaks on cruise ships, laboratory tests are still pending to confirm the responsible agent.
What role does the CDC play in managing gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships?
The CDC reports cases, provides guidelines for outbreak containment, and through the Vessel Sanitation Program, remotely monitors the situation, reviewing the vessel's response and sanitation procedures.
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