Norovirus Outbreak Hits Holland America Cruise Ship

November 10, 2008 5:47 p.m. EST

Fort Lauderdale, FL (AHN) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 224 out of the 1,820 passengers aboard Holland America's Zuiderdam fell ill by an outbreak traced to the norovirus, flu-like stomach bug that causes diarrhea and vomiting.

The outbreak occurred during the cruise vessel's 17-night voyage. Zuiderdam berthed at Port Everglades Sunday morning to have the passengers checked.

Crew members are cleaning the ship with CDC sending additional staff to the Zuiderdam to disinfect the vessel. The vessel's departure from Everglades will be delayed.

CDC has yet to confirm if the outbreak was caused the norovirus. Stools are being tested by to further examine the incident.

Holland America has had six outbreaks in its ships this year, according to CDC, while Norwegian Cruise Line had four, Princess Cruises had two, and Carnival, Regent Seven Seas and American Canadian Caribbean Line each had a single outbreak.

The norovirus, which is also called as the "24-hour flu," is the most common cause of stomach illness in the United States.