Cruise Illness May Be Norwalk Virus
Pastor Dale Morgan
Cruise Illness May Be Norwalk Virus*
Sunday October 22, 2006 9:31 PM
PADUCAH, Ky. (AP) - Passengers on an Ohio River cruise who complained of
flu-like symptoms may have contracted a non-life threatening illness
similar to the Norwalk virus, a Kentucky health official said.
Ten passengers from the Mississippi Queen remained hospitalized with
flu-like symptoms Sunday after at least 36 complained of feeling sick,
forcing the boat to dock Friday.
Dr. William Hacker, commissioner for the Kentucky Department of Public
Health, said their symptoms resemble those associated with the Norwalk
virus, a contagious ailment commonly contracted on cruises and in
nursing homes and schools.
``This is a common illness; however, in confined spaces you can have a
larger number of people become ill and need treatment,'' Hacker said.
The illness has a quick incubation period, is contagious, causes mild to
moderate gastrointestinal problems, including vomiting and diarrhea, and
usually lasts 12 to 24 hours, Hacker said.
Hacker said he expected laboratory test results in the next day or two.
A team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention examined food
storage on the boat and found no problems, he said.
The riverboat left Cincinnati on Wednesday and was scheduled to arrive
in St. Louis on Tuesday. The majority of the 525 passengers remained on
the ship Sunday as it continued its tour, said April Matson, spokeswoman
for the boat's owner, Majestic America Line.
Cruise operators were taking steps to try to limit the spread of the
illness, including disinfecting door knobs and handrails, setting up
hand-washing stations around the boat and serving food to passengers to
avoid them touching food at buffet lines.