90-Second Read: Hantavirus and norovirus outbreaks on cruises raise alarms for passengers. How to avoid illness

As norovirus cases rise and Hantavirus lingers on cruise ships, health officials advise passengers to take precautionary measures against sicknesses. Cruise ships are drawing attention not only for a rare strain of Hantavirus, but also for more common illnesses such as norovirus while health officials monitor outbreaks and remind travelers to take precautions. While the Hantavirus outbreak has drawn global concern, health officials say norovirus remains a more immediate and frequent issue on cruise ships. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess, a cruise ship bound for Florida. Concerns have also been fueled by an ongoing investigation into a rare Hantavirus outbreak aboard a Dutch-based cruise ship.

When you talk about up to 40 to 50% mortality rate, it means 1 out of 2 people could die from Hantavirus. The World Health Organization is investigating 13 cases of the Andes strain of Hantavirus, resulting in three deaths. The CDC reported 115 cases aboard the Caribbean Princess, underscoring how quickly the illness can spread. The report comes as many travelers prepare for upcoming trips, including families departing from the Port of Los Angeles. Still, many travelers acknowledge illnesses can spread easily on cruise ships and say they are taking steps to protect themselves.

Passengers said they are looking forward to their vacations despite the risks associated with close quarters at sea. Radhakrishna noted the overall risk to the public remains very low, despite the severity of the illness. It is the only known strain of Hantavirus that can spread from person to person. As cruise demand continues, health experts say awareness and simple preventive measures can help reduce the risk of illness at sea. Health experts emphasize basic precautions remain effective in preventing the spread of disease.

Norovirus spreads rapidly through shared surfaces or close contact, conditions common on cruise ships. He and his family also packed hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes, saying they plan to avoid anyone who appears ill. Suman Radhakrishna, an infectious disease specialist with Dignity Health California Hospital. Symptoms typically resemble the flu, including fever, headache and muscle aches, but differ in certain ways. The symptoms start with violent nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.