Health officials are investigating a gastrointestinal illness outbreak aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird, marking the expedition vessel’s third stomach bug incident in just two months. The latest outbreak, reported on July 12 during a voyage from Sitka to Juneau, Alaska, saw 18 out of 62 passengers falling ill with symptoms including vomiting and abdominal cramps. This recurring issue on the Lindblad Expeditions vessel has prompted the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program to remotely monitor the situation and review the ship’s response and sanitation procedures, especially as the cause remains unknown, though norovirus is a common culprit on cruise ships. The recurring outbreaks have sparked concern among travelers, with previous incidents on the same ship raising questions about ongoing sanitation protocols, even as the ship’s crew implemented isolation measures and increased cleaning in the most recent event. This latest incident adds to a growing number of health concerns on cruise lines, including past hantavirus and norovirus outbreaks on other vessels.
Adapted from: Travel News Today on Fox News
