Investigation Update on the Queen Elizabeth 2

Investigation Update - February 25, 2004

Cunard Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal illness (GI) on the Queen Elizabeth 2. Queen Elizabeth 2 sailed from Sydney, Australia February 17, 2004, and stopped in Apra, Guam, and then proceeded to Japan.

On February 23, 2004 Cunard Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Queen Elizabeth 2 passengers were experiencing GI.  On February 24, the ship’s medical staff reported that 82 of 1521 (5.39%) passengers and 24 of 991 (2.42%) crew members were ill. Predominant symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea.

The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. Cunard Cruise Line provided daily reports to VSP; no significant levels of GI illnesses were reported. Stool specimens were obtained and the causative agent is unknown.