{"id":41,"date":"2026-11-06T09:06:23","date_gmt":"2026-11-06T09:06:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/?p=41"},"modified":"2026-11-06T09:06:23","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T09:06:23","slug":"why-viruses-spread-fast-on-cruises-even-on-top-rated-ships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/?p=41","title":{"rendered":"Why Viruses Spread Fast on Cruises, Even on Top-Rated Ships"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"health-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp health-sc-page mntl-sc-page mntl-block structured-content article-content expert-content right-rail__offset lock-journey\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"60\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"24\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"4\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[400, 1400, 1400, 1700, 2000, 2200, 2400, 2600, 2800]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-callout--key-takeaway_1-0\" class=\"comp health-sc-block-callout--key-takeaway health-sc-block-callout-base mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-key-takeaway theme-key-takeaway\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block expert-content\">\n<ul>\n<li>Viruses like norovirus might spread more easily on a cruise ship because passengers spend extended time in close quarters and share common spaces.<\/li>\n<li>CDC sanitation scores offer insight into a ship\u2019s cleanliness, but they don&#8217;t account for passenger behavior and outbreak response.<\/li>\n<li>Health experts recommend washing hands often with soap and water, reporting symptoms early, and isolating if you feel sick on board.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> As summer approaches and the cruise season ramps up, travelers ready to set sail may feel uneasy due to recent hantavirus and norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships. Still, public health experts say there\u2019s no need for alarm: While viruses can spread on cruises, traveling by sea remains safe.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Cruise ships are among the most closely inspected forms of transportation, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes their sanitation scores for the public.<span data-cite=\"1\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span> Many major cruise lines earn perfect or near-perfect ratings, but experts note these scores can\u2019t fully predict outbreak risk. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s essential for passengers to practice good hygiene and take preventative steps to reduce the risk of getting sick on board.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mm-ads-native_1-0\" class=\"comp mm-ads-native \" style=\"--native-ad-height: auto\" data-right-rail-index=\"1\">\n<div id=\"mm-ads-native__adunit_1-0\" class=\"comp mm-ads-native__adunit mm-ads-gpt-dynamic-adunit mm-ads-gpt-adunit scads-to-load gpt native js-immediate-ad js-immediate-ad-loaded\">\n<div id=\"native\" class=\"wrapper\" data-type=\"native\" data-pos=\"native\" data-priority=\"4\" data-sizes=\"[[1, 3],&quot;fluid&quot;]\" data-rtb=\"false\" data-wait-for-third-party=\"false\" data-targeting=\"{}\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-why-viruses-can-spread-so-easily-on-cruises\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Why Viruses Can Spread So Easily on Cruises <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Cruise ships aren&#8217;t any less sanitary than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/how-to-avoid-getting-sick-on-a-plane-11864425\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\">traveling by plane<\/a> or vacationing at a resort\u2014they just operate under different conditions. Even when ships meet high sanitation standards, they can be more vulnerable to viruses because passengers remain in close quarters for extended periods.<span data-cite=\"3\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;On a plane, passengers typically spend just hours together, not interacting heavily, and breathing HEPA-filtered air that is refreshed 20 to 30 times per hour,&#8221; said <a href=\"https:\/\/profiles.ucsf.edu\/peter.chin-hong\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Peter Chin-Hong, MD<\/a>, an infectious disease expert and professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. &#8220;Guests at a hotel or resort also differ from passengers on a cruise ship\u2014they are not a closed and captive population and can typically come and go as they please.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_11-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> For <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/how-long-does-norovirus-last-7153318\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">highly contagious infections like norovirus<\/a> that can spread through tiny particles of feces or vomit, cruise ships can be a breeding ground for outbreaks. Close quarters and shared surfaces mean a single case can rapidly sicken large numbers of passengers.<span data-cite=\"3\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;Some factors that make cruise ships riskier for infectious disease are prolonged close contact with a closed population who share dining halls, entertainment areas, and recreational facilities,&#8221; Chin-Hong said.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> He added that poor ventilation in crowded areas and the difficulty of isolating when someone gets sick can further raise the risk.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_16-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-digiohembed mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-digiohembed_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-digiohembed mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"lightbox-inline-form-d6b1ce8f-ffcf-49f7-9130-c9a0962426b2\" class=\"mntl-sc-block-digiohembed__container digioh-inline-unit digioh-inline-unit--sc\" data-guid=\"lightbox-inline-form-d6b1ce8f-ffcf-49f7-9130-c9a0962426b2\" data-title=\"\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"health-sc-block-spotlight--none_1-0\" class=\"comp health-sc-block-spotlight--none health-sc-block-spotlight-base mntl-sc-block-spotlight mntl-block health-sc-block-spotlight theme-none theme-none\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-spotlight__articles_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-spotlight__articles mntl-document-spotlight mntl-document-card-list mntl-card-list mntl-block\" data-chunk=\"36\"><a id=\"mntl-card-list-items_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-card-list-items mntl-document-card mntl-card card card--no-image\" data-doc-id=\"11936518\" data-tax-levels=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/in-flight-habits-for-staying-healthy-while-traveling-11936518\" data-ordinal=\"1\" data-cta=\"Read Now \u25b8\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/IKVWHHdDl6_2bptTieSWf7u9t38=\/600x450\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-1271605156-359fc1e3a486463da0d5353dba1ab59b.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/OtNIDgR2pCJvsyRlMxtcfW4TXsk=\/550x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-1271605156-359fc1e3a486463da0d5353dba1ab59b.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/rppoErx6K7f55hpNVEG8RIInrRU=\/587x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-1271605156-359fc1e3a486463da0d5353dba1ab59b.jpg 587w, https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/4JtxIZihU6GvjpkCKUVlwYBxBwI=\/624x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-1271605156-359fc1e3a486463da0d5353dba1ab59b.jpg 624w, https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/AXSG1ZqBK6P-B2wPIhLSRHzJcLY=\/661x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-1271605156-359fc1e3a486463da0d5353dba1ab59b.jpg 661w, https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/vB8oDQwc4wVLnjjskvcCP_FdRSo=\/700x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-1271605156-359fc1e3a486463da0d5353dba1ab59b.jpg 700w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1248px) calc(60vw - 2rem), 554px\" alt=\"Person seated in an airplane drinking from a water bottle\" class=\" card__img universal-image__image lazyloadwait\" data-expand=\"300\"><br \/>\n<noscript><br \/>\n<img\nsrc=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/IKVWHHdDl6_2bptTieSWf7u9t38=\/600x450\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-1271605156-359fc1e3a486463da0d5353dba1ab59b.jpg\"\nwidth=\"600\"\nheight=\"450\"\nclass=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\"\nsrcset=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/OtNIDgR2pCJvsyRlMxtcfW4TXsk=\/550x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-1271605156-359fc1e3a486463da0d5353dba1ab59b.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/rppoErx6K7f55hpNVEG8RIInrRU=\/587x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-1271605156-359fc1e3a486463da0d5353dba1ab59b.jpg 587w, https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/4JtxIZihU6GvjpkCKUVlwYBxBwI=\/624x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-1271605156-359fc1e3a486463da0d5353dba1ab59b.jpg 624w, https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/AXSG1ZqBK6P-B2wPIhLSRHzJcLY=\/661x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-1271605156-359fc1e3a486463da0d5353dba1ab59b.jpg 661w, https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/vB8oDQwc4wVLnjjskvcCP_FdRSo=\/700x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-1271605156-359fc1e3a486463da0d5353dba1ab59b.jpg 700w\"\nsizes=\"(max-width: 1248px) calc(60vw - 2rem), 554px\"\nalt=\"Person seated in an airplane drinking from a water bottle\"\n\/><br \/>\n<\/noscript>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \" data-tag=\"Infectious Diseases\">\n<div class=\"card__header\"><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The In-Flight Habits That Help Frequent Fliers Stay Healthy <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"card__byline mntl-card__byline \" data-byline=\"Medically reviewed by Amelia MacIntyre, DO\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><br \/>\n<a id=\"mntl-card-list-items_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-card-list-items mntl-document-card mntl-card card card--no-image\" data-doc-id=\"11953705\" data-tax-levels=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/tips-to-avoid-food-poisoning-while-traveling-11953705\" data-ordinal=\"2\" data-cta=\"Read Now \u25b8\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/cmp-7BpobI7E4CwL8i43ZsAg_c0=\/400x300\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-2192437622-9fe5e26f190046f899c7059cec7387d4.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/FOJrmpufulKvS1Tfc_oGJLc7rgg=\/550x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-2192437622-9fe5e26f190046f899c7059cec7387d4.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/re-o1uvu8DdTRtffkCdLEzooIeQ=\/587x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-2192437622-9fe5e26f190046f899c7059cec7387d4.jpg 587w, https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/1HtW7lQHTyp07xQwb23sn-d4lig=\/624x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-2192437622-9fe5e26f190046f899c7059cec7387d4.jpg 624w, https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/IebUotN-tUO60snxwEkw6gINEGM=\/661x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-2192437622-9fe5e26f190046f899c7059cec7387d4.jpg 661w, https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/i0CCCEFK_aeXqPX84z5xEhhfHTc=\/700x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-2192437622-9fe5e26f190046f899c7059cec7387d4.jpg 700w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1248px) calc(60vw - 2rem), 554px\" alt=\"Two individuals washing their hands at an outdoor sink\" class=\" card__img universal-image__image lazyloadwait\" data-expand=\"300\"><br \/>\n<noscript><br \/>\n<img\nsrc=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/cmp-7BpobI7E4CwL8i43ZsAg_c0=\/400x300\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-2192437622-9fe5e26f190046f899c7059cec7387d4.jpg\"\nwidth=\"400\"\nheight=\"300\"\nclass=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\"\nsrcset=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/FOJrmpufulKvS1Tfc_oGJLc7rgg=\/550x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-2192437622-9fe5e26f190046f899c7059cec7387d4.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/re-o1uvu8DdTRtffkCdLEzooIeQ=\/587x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-2192437622-9fe5e26f190046f899c7059cec7387d4.jpg 587w, https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/1HtW7lQHTyp07xQwb23sn-d4lig=\/624x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-2192437622-9fe5e26f190046f899c7059cec7387d4.jpg 624w, https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/IebUotN-tUO60snxwEkw6gINEGM=\/661x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-2192437622-9fe5e26f190046f899c7059cec7387d4.jpg 661w, https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/i0CCCEFK_aeXqPX84z5xEhhfHTc=\/700x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)\/GettyImages-2192437622-9fe5e26f190046f899c7059cec7387d4.jpg 700w\"\nsizes=\"(max-width: 1248px) calc(60vw - 2rem), 554px\"\nalt=\"Two individuals washing their hands at an outdoor sink\"\n\/><br \/>\n<\/noscript>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \" data-tag=\"Diet and Nutrition\">\n<div class=\"card__header\"><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">8 Tips to Avoid Food Poisoning on Your Next Trip<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"card__byline mntl-card__byline \" data-byline=\"Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Barnes, RDN\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-are-sanitation-scores-reliable\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Are Sanitation Scores Reliable? <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> The CDC\u2019s Vessel Sanitation Program assigns sanitation scores to every cruise ship. These scores offer a quick snapshot of a ship\u2019s cleanliness and safety, but they don\u2019t capture the full picture.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;CDC sanitation scores are a useful tool because they provide transparency around food safety, hygiene practices, and onboard sanitation standards,&#8221; said <a href=\"https:\/\/publichealth.uci.edu\/faculty\/boden-albala-dr-bernadette\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bernadette Boden-Albala, MPH, DrPH<\/a>, a professor and the founding dean of the Joe C. Wen School of Population and Public Health at the University of California, Irvine. &#8220;They are an important indicator, but no score can completely eliminate risk because infectious disease transmission is also influenced by traveler behavior, crowding, and how quickly illnesses are identified and contained.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> The scores also have limitations. Inspections are unannounced but occur only a few times a year, so they reflect conditions on a specific day rather than across every voyage. They also don\u2019t account for passenger behavior.<span data-cite=\"4\" class=\"inline-citation-node\"><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Boden-Albala also noted that these reports could be better at outlining their efforts during an outbreak.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;One area that could always be strengthened is public communication around how ships respond to emerging illnesses in real time, including surveillance practices, outbreak response protocols, and coordination with public health authorities,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Transparency builds public trust.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"heading-toc\" id=\"toc-how-to-protect-yourself-on-a-cruise\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block health-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"> <span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How to Protect Yourself on a Cruise <\/span> <\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Health experts and staff members on cruise ships work hard to keep your voyage clean and safe.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;The hantavirus outbreak is a rare event,&#8221; said <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vumc.org\/health-policy\/person\/william-schaffner-md\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">William Schaffner, MD<\/a>, a professor of preventive medicine, health policy, and infectious disease at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. And as for norovirus, &#8220;the cruise ship industry has infection control procedures to minimize the risk of an outbreak.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> However, Schaffner noted that there&#8217;s no harm in taking extra safety precautions, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those who are immunocompromised. Even simple preventive practices can help lower your risk of infection.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_39-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;The single most important thing is to wash hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water for a requisite 20 seconds,&#8221; Chin-Hong said. &#8220;And remember that norovirus cannot be prevented by hand sanitizers.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_41-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you feel unwell on board, don&#8217;t wait to tell the medical staff on your cruise about your symptoms. Early reporting is an effective way to limit transmission to other passengers. Until a medical professional can evaluate you, isolate yourself in your cabin, and stay hydrated.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_43-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Though rare, if your cruise ship has an outbreak, stay calm, practice basic prevention strategies, and keep the medical staff informed if you develop symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or fever.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_44-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_45-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;The vast majority of cruise ship outbreaks, like norovirus, do not lead to widespread community transmission,&#8221; Chin-Hong said. &#8220;Since COVID, cruise ships have transformed protocols to make the environment safer via pre-embarkation symptom screening, having dedicated isolation cabins and quarantine zones, and improving ventilation.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-article_1-0\" class=\"comp post-article mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"breadcrumbs--chips_1-0\" class=\"comp breadcrumbs--chips mntl-universal-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more mntl-text-block text-title-100\">Read More:<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-universal-breadcrumbs_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block breadcrumbs\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block text-utility-200\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770\" rel=\"nocaes\" class=\"mntl-text-link mntl-breadcrumbs__link\" id=\"mntl-text-link_5-0\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Health A-Z<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block text-utility-200\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/infectious-diseases-4014700\" rel=\"nocaes\" class=\"mntl-text-link mntl-breadcrumbs__link\" id=\"mntl-text-link_6-0\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Infectious Diseases<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"sources_1-0\" class=\"comp sources mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources mntl-expandable-block\" data-scroll-offset=\"70\">\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__wrapper mntl-block\" data-click-tracked=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><span id=\"mntl-article-sources__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__heading mntl-text-block\">3 Sources<\/span><br \/>\n<svg class=\"icon show-icon \">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#show-icon\" href=\"#show-icon\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<svg class=\"icon hide-icon \">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#hide-icon\" href=\"#hide-icon\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"source-guidelines_1-0\" class=\"comp source-guidelines mntl-text-block\">Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our <a href=\"\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042\">editorial process<\/a> to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__citation-sources mntl-citation-sources mntl-sources\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ol class=\"mntl-sources__content\">\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-1\">\n<p>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwn.cdc.gov\/inspectionquerytool\/inspectionwith100score.aspx\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vessel Sanitation Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-3\">\n<p>Jenkins KA, Vaughan GH Jr, Rodriguez LO, Freeland A. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.15585\/mmwr.ss7006a1\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Acute Gastroenteritis on Cruise Ships &#8211; Maritime Illness Database and Reporting System, United States, 2006-2019<\/a>.&nbsp;<em>MMWR Surveill Summ<\/em>. 2021;70(6):1-19. doi:10.15585\/mmwr.ss7006a1<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-4\">\n<p>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/vessel-sanitation\/faq\/index.html\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cruise Ship Illness Frequently Asked Questions<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon trust-ribbon-expandable-block\">\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"loc static-content\">\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon__editorial_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon__editorial trust-ribbon-item mntl-block\"><svg class=\"icon trust-ribbon-item__icon-editorial \">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#trust-ribbon-item__icon-editorial\" href=\"#trust-ribbon-item__icon-editorial\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042\" rel=\"nocaes\" class=\"trust-ribbon-item__text mntl-text-link \" id=\"trust-ribbon-item__text_1-0\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">See Our Editorial Process<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon__review_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon__review trust-ribbon-item mntl-block\"><svg class=\"icon reviewer-icon trust-ribbon-item__icon-review\">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#reviewer-icon\" href=\"#reviewer-icon\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003\" rel=\"nocaes\" class=\"trust-ribbon-item__text mntl-text-link \" id=\"trust-ribbon-item__text_2-0\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Meet Our Medical Expert Board<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon__feedback_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon__feedback trust-ribbon-item mntl-block\"><svg class=\"icon trust-ribbon-item__icon-feedback \">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#trust-ribbon-item__icon-feedback\" href=\"#trust-ribbon-item__icon-feedback\"><\/use>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<button id=\"trust-ribbon-item__text_3-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon-item__text mntl-text-block\">Share Feedback<\/button><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"trust-ribbon__feedback-block_1-0\" class=\"comp trust-ribbon__feedback-block article-feedback mntl-article-feedback\">\n<div class=\"article-feedback__rating-section js-rating-section is-hidden\">\n<div class=\"article-feedback__heading\">Was this page helpful?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-feedback__success-section js-success-section is-hidden\">\n<div class=\"article-feedback__heading\">Thanks for your feedback!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-feedback__feedback-section js-feedback-section\">\n<div class=\"article-feedback__heading\">What is your feedback?<\/div>\n<p><button id=\"helpful-button_1-0\" class=\"comp helpful-button mntl-button article-feedback__feedback-button\"> Helpful<br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<button id=\"report-error-button_1-0\" class=\"comp report-error-button mntl-button article-feedback__feedback-button\"> Report an Error<br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<button id=\"other-button_1-0\" class=\"comp other-button mntl-button article-feedback__feedback-button\"> Other<br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<svg class=\"icon icon-x close-button\">\n<use xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xlink_href=\"#icon-x\" href=\"#icon-x\"><\/use>\n<\/svg> <\/p>\n<form action=\"\/ugc-feedback\" method=\"post\" class=\"article-feedback__feedback-form js-feedback-form\">\n<textarea class=\"article-feedback__feedback-text js-feedback-text\" placeholder=\"Tell us more...\" required=\"required\" maxlength=\"1500\"><\/textarea><br \/>\n<button id=\"article-feedback__submit-button_1-0\" class=\"comp article-feedback__submit-button mntl-button\"> Submit<br \/>\n<\/button> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"doc-id\" value=\"11973004\" class=\"js-doc-id\"><br \/>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaways Viruses like norovirus might spread more easily on a cruise ship because passengers spend extended time in close quarters and share common spaces. CDC sanitation scores offer insight into a ship\u2019s cleanliness, but they don&#8217;t account for passenger&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-chua-phan-loai"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=41"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=41"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=41"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthcare.hibisports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=41"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}