Federal Health Officials Testing Victims For Norovirus

Expert international personal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell who have vast experience representing thousands of passengers who have suffered illness on-board cruise ships have expressed concerns over a suspected norovirus outbreak on-board the Oceania Riviera cruise ship.

The vessel, which is operated by Oceania Cruises, is set to be boarded by health officials when it arrives in Miami, at which point, the 82 passengers and crew who have experienced symptoms will be tested for norovirus.

Oceania Cruises reported that staff on-board the ship have increased cleaning and disinfection procedures in line with their outbreak prevention and response plan. The operator confirmed crew on the ship have made twice daily reports of gastrointestinal illness cases to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.

Norovirus is a highly contagious illness and those affected can suffer with nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps, and some can go on to experience long term consequences such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Jatinder Paul, an Associate Solicitor and expert travel lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, who has represented hundreds of passengers affected by illnesses on board cruise ships, said:

Expert Opinion

The reports of a large illness outbreak of this nature on board a cruise ship are concerning, as we know from experience, that these issues can be long lasting and cause serious health issues for those affected. <br/> <br/>“Norovirus can spread quickly in environments like cruise ships and it is crucial that tests are carried out quickly and the cause of the illness is identified so it does not spread any further and impact others on the ship. <br/> <br/>“Those affected by the illness will also want answers concerning the cause of the outbreak and the impact it has had on their holiday and why so many people on-board the ship were affected. Jatinder Paul - Partner