Passengers 'dropping like flies' on P&O cruise ship: What is norovirus? Causes, effects, symptoms explained

The most common symptoms of norovirus include stomach ache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, while those infected may even suffer with fever, head and body pain. The vomiting and diarrhoea can also lead to dehydration in some patients.

Passengers in a P&O cruise ship off the coast of Belgium have reportedly been "dropping like flies" after throwing up in restaurants, decks, and outside cabins.

As per Sky News, some of the guests on P&O Iona, which has the capacity of 5,000 passengers and 1,800 staff members, are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms.

While the exact number of passengers onboard remains unclear, fewer than 1 per cent of the passengers are reportedly affected.

The captain of the ship, which is currently on a seven-day trip, reportedly made an announcement informing the guests of the outbreak.

"What was also incredulous was the inability to buy or get hold of any medication onboard to help with the symptoms. Not one shop or medical centre onboard could supply guests with gastrointestinal suspension medication or replacement salts/fluid sachets," a passenger told the publication.

Meanwhile, P&O Cruises has assured that guests who are unable to experience the cruise due to their symptoms will receive a full refund.

This incident comes after about 90 passengers and crew on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the Gulf of Mexico fell sick with a gastrointestinal illness causing diarrhoea and vomiting, earlier this month.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that norovirus, a highly contagious virus causing vomiting and diarrhoea, is usually the cause of stomach bugs on cruise ships. It is not yet known what caused the illness on Radiance of the Seas.

As per the CDC, Norovirus is a contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhoea to those infected.

Despite it often being referred to as the 'stomach flu', it is noteworthy that this is not related to a flu.

Symptoms of norovirus

The most common symptoms of norovirus include stomach ache, nausea, vomitting and diarrhoea, while those infected may even suffer with fever, head and body pain. The vomiting and diarrhea can also lead to dehydration in some patients.

These symptoms usually start to show in 12-48 hours of exposure.

Who can catch the virus?

This virus spreads easily through direct contact, like sharing food or utensils with the infected person. One can also catch the virus if they eat food/drink liquid contaminated with norovirus. Apart from this, touching contaminated objects and putting that finger in your mouth before washing it can also lead to infection.

While there is no particular age group for those who can be infected with the virus, people who have a weak immune system, older adults, and infants are more prone to catching the virus. Moreover, anyone who eats raw shellfish is at a risk of norovirus.

Once infected, most people recover within one to three days.

How can it be prevented?

One can prevent catching the virus by washing hands regularly and cleaning contaminated surfaces. Cooking shellfish properly will reduce the spread of the virus.

(With Reuters inputs)