Gastro bug strikes 158 aboard Diamond Princess
Wednesday, 05 Feb, 2016
0
Sydney health officials have reported a gastro bug aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship which has sickened 158 passengers.
Public health director professor Mark Ferson said a small number of crew also contracted the norovirus type bug.
"The ship has instituted maximum control measures, including increased sanitation, and further cleaning and hygiene procedures will occur prior to passengers arriving on board this afternoon. Incoming passengers will be advised by the ship of the outbreak and about recommended hygiene measures," he said.
The ship’s swimming pool was drained and all food buffets were closed to combat the spread of the virus.
This ship docked in Circular Quay after a 12-day sailing around New Zealand.
News media reported a small number of passengers did not report their symptoms days earlier which may have led to the outbreak.
Health officials said no passengers or crew were admitted to hospital.
"There have been no medical disembarkations or patients requiring hospitalisation," professor Ferson said.
A Carnival Australia statement said: "In the closing few days of the cruise a small proportion of the total number of passengers on board reported gastro intestinal symptoms confirmed as being due to the common stomach bug norovirus."
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 
Clearing CSS/JS assets' cache... Please wait until this notice disappears...
Updating... Please wait...
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season