Norovirus hits cruise ship in Alaska, more than 100 travelers report symptoms

More than 100 passengers on a luxury cruise ship on a 20-day voyage to Alaska were affected by vomiting and diarrhea, raising alarm over a norovirus outbreak on board.

On Thursday, the Ruby Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, docked in San Francisco. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 102 passengers and 23 crew members showed signs of the highly contagious virus.

The case on the Ruby Princess was first reported on June 28. Data show that just over 3% of passengers and nearly 2% of the crew were affected.

Norovirus, often known as the “stomach flu,” causes gastrointestinal problems and is easily transmitted through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, as well as food or drinks that have come into contact with the virus. Specialists stress that infected people can spread norovirus for two weeks or even longer after symptoms have disappeared.

The ship departed from San Francisco on June 12 and, during the itinerary, made stops in Canada and Alaska before returning to California this week.