Norovirus Outbreak Sickens Nearly 80 on Holland America's ms Zuiderdam: Incident on 15 December 2024

A norovirus outbreak affected 78 people aboard Holland America Line's ms Zuiderdam during a voyage that began on 4 December 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 74 passengers and 4 crew members experienced gastrointestinal illness symptoms. Most cases were mild and resolved quickly, with no fatalities reported.

Holland America Line implemented enhanced sanitation measures in coordination with the CDC to prevent further spread. Upon arrival in Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the vessel underwent a thorough disinfection process before resuming service.

The outbreak occurred during a cruise carrying 1,923 passengers onboard. Primary symptoms reported were vomiting and diarrhea. The CDC noted that this incident was one of 12 gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships in 2024 that met the agency's reporting threshold.

Passengers

• 1,923 onboard; 74 affected by norovirus symptoms.

Crew

• 4 crew members experienced gastrointestinal illness symptoms.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• 78 individuals (74 passengers and 4 crew) experienced mild gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and diarrhea); most cases resolved quickly.

Rescued

• Not applicable; all passengers and crew remained onboard and received care.

Holland America Line coordinated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to implement enhanced sanitation measures throughout the vessel to prevent further spread of the virus. Boarding times for the subsequent cruise were adjusted to accommodate a thorough disinfection process upon arrival in Port Everglades.

The ms Zuiderdam completed its voyage and arrived in Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where it underwent comprehensive disinfection before resuming scheduled operations. Holland America Line continued to monitor the situation in coordination with the CDC.