According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a norovirus outbreak has occurred aboard the Caribbean Princess, a vessel operated by Princess Cruises. To date, 102 passengers and 13 crew members have reported symptoms of infection, including diarrhea and vomiting. The number of infected individuals represents a significant proportion of those on board, prompting U.S. health authorities to initiate strict disease control protocols.

Data released by the CDC on May 7 indicates that the ship was on a voyage scheduled from April 28 to May 11 when the outbreak was identified. This marks the fourth reported outbreak of gastrointestinal illness on a cruise ship so far this year. According to the data, the vessel was carrying 3,116 passengers and 1,131 crew members. The number of infections accounts for 3.3% of the passengers and 1.2% of the crew. The containment measures implemented include intensified sanitization and disinfection across all areas of the ship, isolation of affected individuals in their staterooms, and the collection of clinical specimens for laboratory testing.

Princess Cruises issued a statement saying: "We can confirm that a small number of passengers have reported mild gastrointestinal symptoms during the current voyage of Caribbean Princess, which departed Port Everglades on April 28. Caribbean Princess will arrive at Port Canaveral on May 11 and will undergo a comprehensive cleaning and disinfection before its next voyage."

Norovirus is one of the leading causes of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in the United States, with confined spaces such as cruise ships, hospitals, and school campuses being high-risk environments for its spread. The CDC notes that the virus can be transmitted through direct person-to-person contact, consumption of contaminated food or water, or touching contaminated surfaces.

U.S. media reports point out that norovirus is common, especially on cruise ships, and that this outbreak is unrelated to the hantavirus outbreak currently affecting the cruise ship Hondius during its Atlantic voyage.