Hundreds fall ill on cruise ship in Galveston, prompting CDC investigation

GALVESTON, Texas – Gastrointestinal disease has spread to more than 300 people on the cruise ship from Galveston, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently investigating the cause.

The Ruby Princess cruise ship set sail from February 26 to March 5, according to the CDC. It is not known when the first case was reported.

Of the 2,881 passengers on board, 284 fell ill. According to the CDC, the two main symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea.

Also, 34 crew members out of 1,159 people fell ill.

At the latest check, the CDC is still working on finding out the potential cause of the disease. It also doesn’t have a name yet.

However, since the outbreak was reported, the Princess Cruises line has been working to help mitigate the spread through these processes, according to the CDC:

• Strengthening cleaning and disinfection procedures in accordance with the ship’s epidemic prevention and response plan.

• Stool samples from patients with gastrointestinal disease were collected to be sent to the CDC laboratory for pathogen detection.

• Distributed notices and made ship announcements to arriving guests informing them of an increase in cases on board during a previous voyage.

Reported cases refer to the entire flight and not to a specific drop-off location.

To learn more about the investigation, follow this link.

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