Almost 80 fall ill on Holland America cruise in Asia amid suspected norovirus outbreak
Health authorities in Hong Kong are investigating a suspected norovirus outbreak aboard the MS Westerdam, an American-owned Holland America Line cruise ship, after dozens of passengers and crew reported gastrointestinal symptoms during a multi-country voyage.
Officials with the Centre for Health Protection said Sunday that 76 people on board developed signs of acute gastroenteritis, including vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. The vessel, carrying roughly 2,000 passengers and 800 crew members, arrived in Hong Kong on March 1 after traveling a circular route that included stops in multiple Japanese cities, Busan in South Korea, and Shanghai. Investigators warned that the outbreak could potentially spread across ports visited during the cruise.
The first two cases were reported on Feb. 15 in Japan, and additional illnesses appeared throughout the trip, with some affected individuals vomiting in public areas on board. Preliminary lab tests on stool samples from seven passengers confirmed norovirus, and further testing is underway. Most patients experienced mild symptoms and remained stable, with only three still showing mild illness upon arrival in Hong Kong and no hospitalizations required.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that often causes acute gastroenteritis, with symptoms typically resolving within one to three days. Crowded environments like cruise ships can accelerate the spread, and authorities advise frequent handwashing with soap and water, noting that alcohol-based sanitizers are ineffective against the virus.
After arriving in Hong Kong, medical teams inspected the ship’s hygiene and food safety conditions. A temporary medical station was set up at the cruise terminal to assess passengers’ health. Authorities ordered thorough cleaning and disinfection before allowing passengers and crew to reboard. The MS Westerdam has since resumed its journey to the Philippines.
Dr. Edwin Tsui, controller of the Centre for Health Protection, noted that norovirus activity has been elevated in parts of the region, including Japan and South Korea, since late last year.
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