Passengers have reported a suspected norovirus outbreak on a P&O cruise ship off the coast of Belgium.
“People [were] throwing up in restaurants, on decks, outside cabins,” the passenger stated.
The P&O Iona, which may carry greater than 5,000 passengers and 1,800 employees, is at present on a seven-day cruise throughout northern Europe, visiting Hamburg, Rotterdam and Zeebrugge. The present passenger numbers are unclear.
A lot of households are understood to be on the cruise, which is happening throughout the half-term break. It left Southampton on 15 February.
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Pic: PA
The captain of the ship is known to have made a public announcement on Thursday informing passengers of the outbreak, and stated that employees have been doing their finest to cease the unfold of an infection.
Some passengers who’re isolating have stated employees shortages have resulted in issues with having meals delivered, in addition to receiving new towels and mattress linen.
The passenger added: “Even the entertainment has been adversely affected with many of the scheduled acts unable to perform and replaced with a cobbled together entertainment programme to placate the guests.
“What was additionally incredulous was the lack to purchase or pay money for any remedy onboard to assist with the signs. Not one store or medical centre onboard might provide friends with gastrointestinal suspension remedy or substitute salts/fluid sachets.”
Additionally they stated remedy is “readily available through our onboard medical centre” and an emergency help quantity is offered 24 hours a day.
“We are aware that some guests have unfortunately reported gastrointestinal symptoms recently on board Iona’s Northern Europe cruise,” P&O Cruises stated in an announcement.
“Gastrointestinal-related illnesses are very common in the UK and are predominantly spread by person-to-person transmission in environments such as hotels, schools and restaurants.
“P&O Cruises works with world, nationwide and regional public well being authorities on accepted and confirmed protocols throughout our ships with a view to shield the well being and wellbeing of all on board.”
