‘No link’ between norovirus cruise ship and Shetland, NHS assures public
NHS SHETLAND has assured the public there is “no indication of any link” between a cruise ship affected by norovirus and Shetland.
The Ambassador Cruise Line ship Ambition stopped in Lerwick last Wednesday, before its passengers disembarked in Belfast and Liverpool on Thursday and Friday.
An outbreak of norovirus was then reported onboard at the start of the week – on another cruise trip – with the ship stopped in Bordeaux after an elderly passenger died onboard.
Ambassador Cruise Lines also confirmed that norovirus cases were only confirmed after new passengers joined Ambition in Liverpool – days after she had left Lerwick.
Local public health director Dr Susan Laidlaw sought to reassure people in Shetland that there was no correlation between the Lerwick visit and the later illnesses.
“NHS Shetland received a maritime declaration of health from the cruise ship Ambition before it docked last week,” she said.
“There were no cases of illness reported at that time and no action was required from port health partners, including environmental health and health protection.
“Based on current information, the gastrointestinal symptoms reported in media coverage appear to have affected passengers who boarded in England for the vessel’s subsequent cruise.
“There is no indication of any link to Shetland.”
Norovirus is a form of gastroenteritis, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea and is highly contagious.
Dr Laidlaw said that, in relation to gastrointestinal illnesses such as norovirus, people should remain away from school, work and other settings where the illness could spread until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.
Ambassador Cruise Lines confirmed to Shetland News that roughly 50 people onboard had displayed norovirus symptoms at the start of this week.
It said cases were reported following the embarkation of guests in Liverpool on Saturday, days after the ship left Lerwick.
“We would like to reassure guests that we take any illnesses aboard our fleet extremely seriously,” it said.
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“Enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols were immediately implemented across the ship in line with established public health procedures following the initial reports of illness.
“The comprehensive health and safety measures introduced include increased cleaning and disinfection measures in public areas, assisted service in selected dining venues and ongoing guidance to guests regarding hand hygiene, including regular hand washing, use of hand sanitisers and the prompt reporting of any symptoms to the onboard medical team.”
It added that the health, safety and wellbeing of its guests and crew “remains our highest priority”.
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