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Introduction
Health authorities in Hong Kong initiated epidemiological monitoring after Holland America Line’s MS Westerdam arrived at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on March 1, 2026, with passengers and crew reporting symptoms consistent with acute gastroenteritis during the voyage.
Details of the Outbreak
Case Numbers:
- The vessel was carrying approximately 2,000 passengers and 800 crew members.
- Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) recorded 76 confirmed cases of gastrointestinal illness.
- Symptoms reported included vomiting, diarrhoea and fever.
Laboratory Findings:
- Testing of stool samples from several affected individuals confirmed the presence of norovirus.
- Norovirus is a common cause of gastrointestinal outbreaks in enclosed environments such as cruise ships.
Public Health Response:
- Port health officers boarded the ship at approximately 04:00 local time after receiving advance notification from the ship’s medical team.
- Authorities collected detailed case information and began environmental and epidemiological assessments.
- Food hygiene conditions onboard were also inspected.
Passenger Screening:
- A temporary medical station was established at the terminal to assess disembarking travellers.
- Most cases were described as mild, and only a few passengers still showed symptoms upon arrival.
- No hospitalizations were required.
Sanitation Measures:
- Following disembarkation, the ship conducted enhanced sanitation procedures.
- Public areas and cabins were cleaned and disinfected in accordance with international ship sanitation guidelines.
Operational Outcome:
- After inspection and confirmation that onboard hygiene conditions met public health requirements, MS Westerdam was cleared to depart.
- The vessel continued its itinerary to the next scheduled port of call.
Voyage Context:
- The cruise was a circular itinerary that had included stops in Japan, South Korea, and mainland China since mid-February.
- Health authorities emphasized the importance of hygiene measures to prevent the spread of norovirus in close-contact environments.