Investigation Update on the Celebration

Investigation Update - February 25, 2005

Carnival Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Celebration, for the voyage completed on February 26, 2005, (sailing dates: 02/21-02/26/2005) in Jacksonville, FL.

On February 25, 2005, Carnival Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Celebration passengers and crew members were experiencing GI illness. The ship’s medical staff reported that 69 of 1647 (4.19%) passengers and 30 of 693 (4.33%) crew members were ill. Predominant symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea.

The ship's staff implemented additional cleaning and disinfection procedures. Stool specimens were collected and tested positive for norovirus. Medical staff continued to monitor gastrointestinal illness cases; the number of ill people returned to expected levels on the following voyage.