Cruise Ships See 13 Gastrointestinal Outbreaks So Far In 2025

USA Today (4/28, Diller) reports, “Thirteen gastrointestinal illness outbreaks have occurred on cruise ships in 2025, with ten attributed to norovirus.” The number of outbreaks “surpasses pre-pandemic levels and is on track to exceed 2024’s total of 18 outbreaks.” Further, as the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) continues to be impacted by staffing cuts, “public health officials said they continue to track gastrointestinal illnesses at sea.” Passengers on cruise ships “are advised to practice frequent handwashing, report illnesses promptly, and consider using disinfectants in their cabins.”