Stomach Bug Strikes Caribbean Princess Cruise Ship

A norovirus outbreak has hit the Caribbean Princess, a cruise ship that departed from the United States in late April. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the outbreak, noting that just over 100 passengers—about 3 percent of the total on board—along with 13 crew members have reported feeling ill. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea.

The vessel left Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 28 and is currently sailing near the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. It is scheduled to make a stop Sunday in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, according to the New York Times.

While norovirus is common on cruise ships and often spreads quickly in close quarters, the CDC says the percentage of sick passengers remains relatively low. The ship’s crew has stepped up cleaning and disinfection protocols to contain the bug. For most people, the illness runs its course in a day or two, but it can be more severe for older adults and those with weakened immune systems.

This is the latest in a string of gastrointestinal outbreaks reported on cruise lines this year. Health officials remind travelers to wash hands frequently and report any symptoms to the ship’s medical staff immediately.