Stricter isolation and cleaning protocols have been enforced on the "Ruby Princess" cruise ship in San Francisco following a norovirus outbreak affecting more than 100 passengers and 20 crew members.
The ship, operated by "Caribbean Princess," was on a 20-day round-trip journey from San Francisco to Alaska, from June 12th to July 2nd, including a stop in British Columbia, Canada.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 125 passengers and 20 crew members reported experiencing symptoms during the cruise, mainly diarrhea and vomiting.
The company stated that the number of cases decreased after enhanced cleaning and sanitizing protocols were enacted throughout the ship, indicating that remaining cases are now limited.
Measures included isolating affected passengers and crew, collecting samples for testing, and liaising with the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program.
Officials confirmed that the ship is undergoing thorough cleaning and disinfection before embarking on a new voyage.
Norovirus is the most common cause of gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships, according to the CDC, responsible for 17 out of 23 outbreaks recorded on cruise ships last year.
This outbreak on the "Ruby Princess" follows a similar incident more than a month ago on another "Princess Cruises" ship, the "Caribbean Princess," where over 100 passengers and more than 12 crew members fell ill during a 14-day trip through the Eastern Caribbean.