News

Norovirus outbreak on cruise ship

October 30, 2012 4:05 am

A cruise ship berthed at the Suva Wharf was quarantined today by relevant authorities following an outbreak of Norovirus.

The Health Ministry has confirmed 51 cases of the contagious virus on board the Rhapsody of the Seas which is carrying over 2300 passengers and 870 crew.

Doctor Joe Koroivueta says they took measures immediately as soon as they received reports of the cases.

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Affected passengers have been isolated and no one is allowed to enter the quarantined area on the ship except the medical response team.

Dr Koroivueta says the ship will leave for Noumea tonight.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, you can get norovirus from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces.

The virus causes the stomach or intestines or both to get inflamed and leads to stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea and vomiting.

The best way to help prevent norovirus is to practice proper hand washing and general cleanliness.