Investigation Update on the Golden Princess

Investigation Update - December 18, 2004

Princess Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Golden Princess, for the voyage completed on December 19, 2004, (sailing dates: 12/12-12/19/2004) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

On December 16, Princess Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Golden Princess passengers and crew members were experiencing GI illness. On December 18, the ship’s medical staff reported that 84 of 2742 (3.06%) passengers and 15 of 1100 (1.36%) crew were ill. Predominant symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea.

The vessel was extensively cleaned and disinfected. Stool specimens were collected and were positive for norovirus.