Passengers on Royal Caribbean Cruise Sickened Due to Norovirus

Dozens of passengers fell ill while on board a four-night Royal Caribbean cruise due to possible norovirus, according to CNN.

The company has released a statement confirming that dozens of their passengers became sick with stomach illness. The Majesty of the Seas docked in Miami Friday after a Caribbean journey that included port calls at Nassau and CocoCay, Bahamas, and Key West, Florida. Approximately 66 passengers out of more than 2,500 suffered from gastrointestinal issues which included vomiting and diarrhea. Two of the ship's crew members also fell ill.

There is a possibility that norovirus is what caused the problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, norovirus is described as a very contagious bug that can be spread by infected persons, in contaminated food or water, or through contact with contaminated surfaces. The CDC also says that norovirus affects nearly 20 million people in the United States alone each year and results to 570 to 800 deaths.

After the ship docked, the company conducted extensive cleaning of the entire ship as well as the cruise terminal to help prevent the virus from spreading and affecting other passengers. The company has also confirmed that passengers affected by the virus have been responding well with over-the-counter medications administered while they were still on board the ship. They also sent out a letter asking who among their passengers experienced health risks and whoever felt uncomfortable were allowed to reschedule their trip.