Authorities in southwestern France prevented passengers and crew from disembarking from a cruise ship in Bordeaux this Wednesday (13). The measure is a precaution, after dozens of cases of possible gastroenteritis on board.
In any case, the regional health authority stated that there is no reason to relate this possible outbreak stomach flu with hantavirus cases on the luxury ship Hondius.
This vessel, called Ambition, sailed from Belfast and Liverpool. The Hondius was on the route between Argentina and the Canary Islands.
The ban on disembarking passengers is temporary and pending the results of medical examinations.
A 92-year-old British passenger died on board this ship, but it was due to a cardiac arrest during a stopover in Brest, on May 11th. This death does not appear to be related to the gastrointestinal outbreak at this time, informed Gironde City Hall.
The ship was carrying 1,233 passengers, most of whom were British or Irish nationals, and 514 crew members. One passenger was of French nationality.
The vessel’s operator, Ambassador Cruise Line, said in a Facebook post that reinforced hygiene and prevention protocols were immediately implemented on board the vessel.
“As soon as clearance is granted, passengers will be able to disembark,” the company said.
Common illness on cruises
Gastrointestinal diseases. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already reported two outbreaks of E. coli and two on cruise ships this year.
Gastroenteritis is a stomach flu. The main symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. It is highly contagious but generally has no serious consequences, although it can sometimes lead to more severe symptoms, including dehydration.
It is very different from hantavirus, which has a high fatality rate, but is transmitted from person to person only in rare cases and requires close contact.
