Cruise ship struck by “aggressive” gastro outbreak
Passengers onboard a cruise from Sydney and Melbourne to New Zealand have been exposed to an “aggressive” outbreak of gastro. Celebrity Solstice, which left Sydney on Monday and carries almost 3,000 passengers, confirmed more than a dozen cases, just days into the trip.
“Celebrity Solstice is currently sailing a 12-night New Zealand cruise, which departed Sydney on 30 October 2017,” yesterday’s statement from the company read.
“There have been 18 reported cases of gastro-intestinal illness symptoms, which represents 0.6 per cent of the 2,759 guests onboard, plus 1,256 crew.
“Those affected by the short-lived illness are being treated by the ship’s doctors and responding well to over-the-counter medication.
“There have been numerous reports of multiple strains of gastrointestinal illnesses in the community in Australia in recent months. Health experts recommend simple hand hygiene is the best defence against stomach viruses, which each year affect as many as 300 million people worldwide – only the common cold is more prevalent.
“Celebrity Solstice will depart Melbourne as scheduled at 5pm today.”
Symptoms of gastro include vomiting and diarrhea, and the illness is easily spread through physical contact – both directly and indirectly, e.g. through contaminated food or drink.
Despite the outbreak, one passenger has defended Celebrity Solstice, telling news.com.au that the staff on board the ship were vigilant in supplying hand sanitiser and ensuring everyone used it.
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