Center For Disease Control Is Investigating Outbreak

More than 140 people have fallen ill during a voyage with Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Wonder, the Center for Disease Control has reported.

The outbreak occurred between April 27 and May 1 during a voyage to the Bahamas.

According to the CDC, 131 passengers and 14 crew reported feeling unwell, with some reporting diarrhoea and vomiting. The cause has not yet been established.

Crew aboard the Disney Cruise Lines ship informed the CDC that they had increased cleaning and disinfection procedures according to their outbreak prevention and response plan as well as collecting stool specimens from passenger and crew for testing.

A CDC Vessel Sanitation Program environmental health officer boarded the ship upon its arrival in the port of Miami on May 1 to conduct an environmental health assessment and evaluate the outbreak and response activities.

Specimens were sent to CDC for testing.

Expert Opinion

“Gastric illnesses can be extremely unpleasant and can leave victims suffering with significant symptoms which can have a huge impact on their day-to-day lives, both in the short and long term.

“While a robust response to the outbreak and increased cleaning and disinfection procedures are very positive, it is concerning that 145 people fell ill.

“It is encouraging to see the CDC respond to the outbreak so quickly and I hope that its investigation will not only give those affected by this outbreak the answers they deserve, but highlight any lessons which may be learned from it.” Simon Prew - Team Leader & Senior Associate

If you have fallen ill whilst on a cruise ship, our accident and illness abroad solicitors could help you to claim compensation. Visit our Cruise Illness Claims page for more information.