Investigation Update on the Amsterdam

Investigation Update - April 16, 2004

Holland America reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Amsterdam, for the voyage completed on April 17, 2004 (sailing dates: 3/31-4/17/2004) in San Diego, CA.

On April 16, Holland America contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Amsterdam passengers and crew members were experiencing GI illness. At 6:30 a.m. ET on April 17, the ship’s medical staff reported that 75 of 1130 (6.64%) passengers and 11 of 585 (1.88%) crew members were ill. The predominant symptom was diarrhea.

The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. Holland America provided special daily reports to VSP throughout the next voyage; no significant levels of GI illnesses were reported. Lab specimens have been confirmed positive for Enterotoxigenci E. coli (ETEC).