Investigation Update on the Rotterdam

Investigation Update - April 14, 2004

Holland America Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Rotterdam, for the voyage completed on April 15, 2004, (sailing dates: 4/2-15/2004) in Baltimore, Maryland.

On April 8, Holland America Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Rotterdam passengers and some crew members were experiencing GI illness. At 9:28 a.m. ET on April 12, the ship’s medical staff reported that 38 of 1262 (3.01%) passengers and 7 of 560 (1.25%) crew members were ill.

The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. Stool specimens were collected but the causative agent is unknown. Holland America provided special daily reports to VSP throughout the next voyage; no significant levels of GI illnesses were reported.