One hundred twenty-five passengers and crew members aboard the Ruby Princess cruise ship were struck by a highly contagious stomach virus during a voyage that departed from San Francisco, health officials confirmed.
Outbreak Details
The outbreak affected 109 passengers and 16 crew members, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The illness, suspected to be norovirus, caused symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea. The ship, operated by Princess Cruises, was on a round-trip itinerary from San Francisco. The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program is investigating the incident.
Response and Prevention
The cruise line implemented enhanced cleaning protocols and isolated affected individuals to prevent further spread. Passengers were advised to practice frequent hand hygiene. Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread quickly in confined environments like cruise ships.
Broader Context
This incident follows a trend of gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships, with norovirus being the most common cause. The CDC monitors such outbreaks and provides guidelines for prevention and control. The Ruby Princess departed San Francisco on June 26, 2026, and the outbreak was reported on July 2.
