CDC warns cruise lines of new ‘dominant’ strain of norovirus
The CDC says the uptick in the number of cruise ship gastrointestinal outbreaks in the past few months could point to a new strain of norovirus.
Outbreaks on land have seen a ‘newly dominant strain’ recently which could be replicated at sea.
“While the number of recent cruise ship outbreaks has been higher than in years prior to the pandemic, we do not yet know if this represents a new trend,” the health agency said.
“However, CDC data show a newly dominant strain is currently associated with reported norovirus outbreaks on land. Ships typically follow the pattern of land-based outbreaks, which are higher this norovirus season.”
The rate of ship illness outbreaks has accelerated in the past few months since late 2024.
Before the pandemic gastrointestinal outbreaks were declining.
Throughout last year, there were 18 outbreaks, while a dozen specifically norovirus outbreaks have been recorded on ships so far this year.
There are various other factors which could be the reason for more frequent outbreaks.
“Among passengers, acute gastroenteritis incidence rates increased with increasing ship size and voyage length,” a report stated.
“For crew members, rates were significantly higher on extra-large ships.”
Related News Stories: Cruise ship hot tub health warning issued Royal Caribbean issues Legionnaires' disease warning Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak Two cruise ships report gastrointestinal outbreaks More than 200 sick in Cunard ship outbreak
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt