
Norovirus Tops 2025 Cruise-Ship Illness Outbreaks (23 Cases)
New data shows 23 cruise-ship outbreaks in 2025, with norovirus the most common gastrointestinal illness aboard semi-enclosed vessels, according to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.
All articles tagged with #gastrointestinal illness

New data shows 23 cruise-ship outbreaks in 2025, with norovirus the most common gastrointestinal illness aboard semi-enclosed vessels, according to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.

The Washoe County School District reports gastrointestinal illness outbreaks at five elementary schools—Libby Booth, Rita Cannan, Caughlin Ranch, Natchez, and Jerry Whitehead—with one Echo Loder Elementary classroom affected; heightened sanitation procedures have been put in place and families have been notified via Connect Ed with information on symptoms and exclusion guidelines.

A gastrointestinal illness outbreak at Central Elementary School in Haddonfield, South Jersey, has prompted public health warnings as symptoms like nausea and vomiting spread among students. Experts emphasize the importance of good hygiene, especially during the winter holidays, to prevent further infections, which are often caused by norovirus and can be highly contagious. Precautions include thorough handwashing, cleaning surfaces with effective disinfectants, and staying home until symptom-free for 48 hours to avoid spreading the illness.

Over 130 passengers and some crew on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas fell ill with gastrointestinal symptoms after a July 4 cruise from Los Angeles, with the cause still unknown but possibly related to norovirus, which is common in close quarters like ships. The cruise line has increased cleaning protocols, and the CDC is investigating, but the exact pathogen has not been confirmed.

Over 140 passengers and crew on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas were sickened by a gastrointestinal illness, likely norovirus, during a July cruise, prompting increased sanitation measures and ongoing investigations by the CDC.

Over 140 passengers and crew on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas fell ill with symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting after a weeklong cruise, with the cause still under investigation; similar outbreaks have occurred on other cruise ships recently.

A gastrointestinal illness outbreak is affecting dozens in Putnam County, New York, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The Putnam County Health Department is investigating the outbreak, which is linked to multiple events in the area. Residents are advised to stay home if sick, practice good hygiene, and avoid handling food for 48 hours after symptoms subside. Emergency Medical Services have been alerted to take extra precautions. The illness is part of a wider trend in the Hudson Valley and New York State.

A 16-year-old girl in Boston was found to have a giant hairball in her stomach, causing severe gastrointestinal issues. This rare condition, known as Rapunzel syndrome, involves a trichobezoar, a mass of hair that can block the stomach and intestines. After weeks of pain and misdiagnosis, doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital successfully removed the hairball without surgery. The girl denied having trichophagia, a compulsion to eat hair, but recovery was smooth, and she plans to seek hypnotherapy.

Two people died and 51 others fell ill after consuming morel mushrooms at a Montana restaurant, leading to an outbreak of gastrointestinal illnesses. The CDC report indicated that the consumption of raw morel mushrooms, particularly in a special sushi roll offered by the restaurant, was strongly associated with the illnesses. The restaurant, identified as Dave’s Sushi in Bozeman, temporarily closed and later reopened after cooperating with health officials. State health authorities advised caution and thorough cooking when consuming morel mushrooms due to their potential toxicity.

Health officials in Clark County, Oregon are investigating four illness outbreaks at schools and daycare centers, with a total of 49 cases of a gastrointestinal illness with symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting. An outbreak is defined as 10% or more of a facility's total staff and student population or two or more individuals from the same classroom, according to health personnel.

Nearly 100 passengers and 12 crew members aboard Holland America Line's Koningsdam ship fell ill in a norovirus outbreak during a round-trip cruise to Hawaii and French Polynesia. The cruise line and CDC implemented enhanced cleaning and isolation protocols, with the majority of cases being mild and quickly resolving. This incident follows a similar outbreak on a Cunard Line ship earlier this year, and comes amid a rise in norovirus cases in the U.S. Despite the association of norovirus with cruises, the majority of outbreaks occur in health care settings.

Norovirus cases are on the rise across the U.S., with a suspected outbreak at an Alabama elementary school prompting its closure. The highly contagious virus causes vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, with children under 5 and older adults most at risk. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for norovirus, and it can survive on surfaces for days. The CDC reports an increase in cases, with the Northeast seeing the highest positivity rates. It's important to watch for symptoms and take preventive measures to avoid the spread of the illness.

More than 1,200 students were absent from Alabama schools due to a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness, prompting the shutdown of a heavily affected elementary school for deep cleaning. Health officials suspect the outbreak may be norovirus, as sick students and staff experienced symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The illness has affected multiple schools in the district, leading to increased absenteeism and cautionary measures.

An elementary school in Alabama closed after 773 students and 50 staff members were absent due to a mystery gastrointestinal illness outbreak. Symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. The Alabama Department of Public Health is investigating the outbreak, and the school is undergoing deep cleaning. Officials are treating the illness as they would respond to norovirus, a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness.

Fairhope West Elementary School in Alabama is shutting down for two days due to a reported gastrointestinal virus outbreak, with at least 773 students absent and 201 on campus. The Alabama Department of Public Health is investigating the outbreak, and the school will undergo deep cleaning during the closure. Fairhope East has also been affected, but to a lesser extent, and the investigation is ongoing.