The highly contagious norovirus recently had a fierce outbreak on the Carnival Cruise Line Liberty ship, according to the Associated Press. The ship left from Rome on November 3 for a 16-day cruise, but it was less than enjoyable for many guests. Over 530 guests and 140 Carnival employees reported feeling ill and having an upset stomach. The ill guests and workers received anti-diarrhea medication and pills or an injection to keep the nausea away, and were quarantined to their cabins for the remainder of the cruise. They were fed 7-Up and rice, if they could even attempt to eat.
The ship scrubbed down all hand rails and ended the self-serve buffet, but the sickness continued to spread. The maids and room-service employees were also struck by the illness, causing the services to be delayed for days.
The norovisus illness travels through consuming contaminated food or liquids, touching contaminated surfaces, and coming in contact with those who have the illness. The illness usually lasts 1-2 days with no threats to health conditions in the future.
The ship docked in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday, November 19, for a detailed cleaning, which delayed the next scheduled departure from Sunday November 26, to Tuesday November 28.