Epidemiology of diarrheal disease outbreaks on cruise ships, 1986 through 1993
Article Abstract:
The incidence of diarrheal illnesses on cruise ships has declined, but many of the outbreaks that still occur are preventable. Researchers used data from the Vessel Sanitation Program, which inspects cruise ships at US ports twice a year and reports information about disease outbreaks to the CDC. Between 1989 and 1993, there were 13,442 cruises between 3 and 15 days duration. During that time, there were 21 outbreaks of diarrheal illness on the ships, giving an incidence of 1.4 outbreaks per 1,000 cruises. Between 1986 and 1993, there were 31 outbreaks of diarrheal illness. Twenty-five occurred on cruises to the Caribbean or Mexico. The source of the illness was determined in 58% of the cases. Undercooked shellfish and eggs were the most common sources of contamination. In two outbreaks, a food handler was found to be transmitting the infection. The incidence of such outbreaks could be substantially reduced by cooking food properly, avoiding local caterers and excluding infected people from handling food.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Rubella among crew members of commercial cruise ships - Florida, 1997
Article Abstract:
An outbreak of rubella, or German measles, on two cruise ships illustrates the need for vaccination of all non-US-born crew members. Both outbreaks occurred on cruise ships that routinely travel between Florida and the Bahamas. On one ship, five rubella cases were confirmed and 16 were detected on the other ship. All cases occurred in crew members, most of whom were foreign-born and had no documentation of rubella vaccination. Following notification of the CDC, the agency recommended vaccinating all crew members.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1998
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Influenza B Virus Outbreak on a Cruise Ship--Northern Europe, 2000
Article Abstract:
People with a high risk of complications from influenza should get vaccinated before going on a cruise. During a 12-day cruise in the summer of 2000, 32 crew members and 11 passengers became ill with a flu-like illness. The outbreak was caused by the influenza B virus.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2001
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