National/World

Virus strikes cruise ship out of New Orleans

Sunday, February 05, 2012

** FILE ** This undated Negative-stain Transmission Electron Microscopy image, provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA, shows a Norovirus, also known as the Norwalk Virus. Norovirus is a genus of viruses of the family Caliciviridae. Recent scientific findings reveal that the genus causes around 50 percent of all gastroenteritis around the world. (AP Photo/F.P. Williams, U.S. EPA)

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Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - February 5, 2012 (WPVI) -- A stomach virus has stricken people on a third U.S. cruise ship, with a vessel sailing from New Orleans delayed by norovirus.

Port of New Orleans spokesman Chris Bonura said Sunday that Royal Caribbean's "Voyager of the Sea" left a couple of hours late on Saturday because of the illnesses.

WDSU-TV reports that about 200 passengers became ill. Norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhea. It's easily spread in close quarters such as cruise ships and nursing homes.

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The company did not immediately return a call and email seeking further details.

Earlier in the weekend, a pair of Princess Cruise Line ships sailing from Fort Lauderdale reported outbreaks of illness. They were delayed in departing on their next trips while they were disinfected.

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