A significant norovirus outbreak has impacted the AIDAdiva cruise ship, resulting in over one hundred passengers falling ill. The outbreak, first reported to health authorities on November 30, 2023, has affected 95 of the 2,007 passengers as well as six crew members, prompting immediate isolation measures for those infected.
The AIDAdiva, a luxury liner known for its extensive amenities, including three swimming pools and a ‘body and soul’ spa, embarked on a 133-day world cruise from Hamburg, Germany, on November 10. Passengers were eagerly anticipating stops across North America and Latin America, but their excitement has been dampened by the virus’s spread. The outbreak coincided with the ship’s docking at Cozumel, Mexico’s largest Caribbean island, where the illness first manifested among guests.
As of now, approximately 4.7% of those on board are affected, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Passengers who have contracted the virus are experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle weakness, which have necessitated their isolation in cabins. Meanwhile, ship crews have intensified cleaning and disinfection protocols in an effort to prevent further transmission.
Cruise ships are required to report such outbreaks to the CDC to help monitor and control the spread of infectious diseases. Gastrointestinal illnesses, particularly those caused by norovirus, are not uncommon in the cruise industry due to the close quarters and shared facilities. Dr. Michael Zimring, director of the Center for Wilderness and Travel Medicine at Mercy Medical Center, highlighted the challenges posed by the high density of passengers in confined spaces, stating, “In close quarters it doesn’t get away; everything’s concentrated.”
The CDC has documented 21 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships in 2023, with norovirus being the primary culprit. This trend has continued as the virus was responsible for 15 out of 18 reported outbreaks in 2024 and 13 of 14 in 2023. The agency noted a recent increase in reported norovirus outbreaks on land, which may reflect a new dominant strain.
The AIDAdiva is scheduled to visit additional destinations, including Guatemala and Costa Rica, before crossing the Pacific to Japan and South Korea. The ship is expected to return to Hamburg on March 23, 2024, after making stops in various countries including Thailand, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Portugal.
As the cruise industry continues to navigate the challenges posed by infectious diseases, the CDC remarked earlier this year that while the number of outbreaks has increased compared to pre-pandemic levels, it remains unclear if this indicates a new trend. The agency’s ongoing monitoring and response efforts aim to mitigate the impact of such outbreaks on passengers and crew alike.
