Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis and diarrhoea. The disease was recognised as long ago in 1929 and dubbed 'winter vomiting disease' due to its increased prevalence during winter.

The disease is usually spread from person-to-person, through contaminated surroundings and objects, or by consuming contaminated food or water. Once infected, the incubation period is generally 15 to 48 hours. 

The main symptoms are:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• stomach cramps

Symptoms usually last between two to three days without serious or long-term health effects. 

Norovirus circulates widely in the population but may only come to the notice of health professionals as and when outbreaks occur in schools, hotels, hospitals and on cruise liners. 

Outbreaks of norovirus on cruise liners have been recognised for over 20 years. Guidance for the management of norovirus infection in cruise ships is produced by the Health Protection Agency, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and the Association of Port Health Authorities.

Prior to embarkation, passengers should receive a routine health questionnaire and information about the symptoms and signs of norovirus infection. This should include the potential impact on other passengers and the recommendations for helping both to prevent illness and the actions passengers should take if they do become ill with possible norovirus. 

A cruise ship will only generally declare an outbreak of norovirus if more than 2% of passengers and/or 2% of crew meet the case definition. 

Once an outbreak does occur, all patients with diarrhoea and vomiting should, if possible, be examined and treated in their own cabins.

Medical staff should use universal precautions by wearing disposable aprons and gloves when examining all patients with acute gastrointestinal symptoms. Food handlers and medical staff should be quarantined for at least 48 hours, following resolution of their symptoms. 

All passengers diagnosed with gastroenteritis should be asked to remain in their cabins for at least 24 hours after full resolution of their symptoms. The cruise should stop all self-service of food to passengers and crew. Affected passengers should not use communal facilities during their period of isolation. 

A dedicated cleaning team should be established for environmental cleaning and servicing of cabins of affected passengers. 

Access Legal from Shoosmiths has successfully acted for individuals whose holidays have been ruined by illness. Our experts know how best to proceed with these types of claims.  

For advice, please call us on 03700 868686.

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