CDC Update on Mercury

[suntan]

FYI...

Investigation Update - March 27, 2006

Celebrity Cruises reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Mercury, for the 11 day voyage completed on March 27, 2006, (sailing dates: 3/17/2006-3/27/2006) in San Diego, CA.

On March 21, 2006, Celebrity Cruises contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Mercury passengers and crew were experiencing symptoms that were consistent with acute gastroenteritis and that the higher number of ill passengers and crew was consistent from the previous voyage. The predominant symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.

 

On March 24, VSP staff boarded the ship in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to sail for the remainder of the voyage to conduct an environmental and an epidemiological investigation. VSP staff consulted with onboard medical staff, observed cleaning and disinfection procedures, distributed a survey to determine the cause of illness, and made recommendations.

 

The ship’s medical staff reported that at the end of the voyage, 24 of 844 (2.84%) crew were and 107 of 1986 (5.39%) passengers were ill. Stool specimens were collected.

 

The ship will continue increased cleaning and disinfection procedures and provide daily updates to CDC throughout the current voyage (sailing dates: 3/27/2006-4/7/2006).

 

[hardingk]

THanks, we are sailing on 4/7. Does the CDC get daily updates from the ship? When will they stop spraying the bleach if the outbreaks are minimal?

[Fblack]

This is very old and outdated information. Check the daily post under Mercury Travelogue. A passenger on the Mercury is sending out reviews and updates on the Norovirus. Things are much better this cruise.

[tangerinebunny]

THanks, we are sailing on 4/7. Does the CDC get daily updates from the ship? When will they stop spraying the bleach if the outbreaks are minimal?

 

Tuggers is currently reporting unpleasant conditions aboard but hasn't yet said anything about outbreaks of norovirus on this trip. You can find her postings here.

 

An earlier cruiser was in contact with the CDC and said they were very happy to talk with him about his upcoming voyage. The toll free number listed on their homepage is 1-800-323-2132. You might want to try that. I've been wondering how long they will continue the half hourly wipedowns; it's a good question.

 

Let's hope that we can put all this behind us soon and look forward to our upcoming Mercury sailings.

[edieredmann]

Thanks Tangerinebunny, for the phone number. I called and they referred me to another phone number to call, for updated public information. It isn't toll free, but I feel it is worth the cost. The number is 1-770-488-7138. I will be aboard the Mercury on4/17, and find this very helpful!

[MLT53]

I called the other phone number and Lisa called me back. She said that the reported number of illnesses is back to normal. Yippee!!

[MLT53]

Opps. I didn't realize that this info had already been posted in another thread.

[tangerinebunny]

There is no way to post too much good news.