Almost 80 individuals reported illness due to a norovirus outbreak on a Holland America Line cruise.

Onboard the Zuiderdam ship, which carries 1,923 passengers, there were 74 cases of illness among guests on a sailing that started on December 4, in addition to four crew members, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The primary symptoms included vomiting and diarrhea.

A representative from Holland America stated that the majority of the “cases have been mild and recovered quickly.”

“We have implemented enhanced cleaning procedures alongside the U.S. CDC to reduce the risk of further infection,” the cruise line spokesperson shared in an email to YSL News. “Moreover, upon reaching Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, the ship will undergo thorough and extensive cleaning before its next journey. Guests have also been informed of adjusted boarding times to facilitate additional sanitizing efforts.”

The cruise line has also taken steps to isolate those who are ill, according to the CDC.

So far in 2024, the health agency has documented 12 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships that warranted public notification, with norovirus being the cause in most of these instances.

While norovirus outbreaks are often linked to cruise ships, these vessels account for just 1% of all reported cases.

“Cruise ships are not uniquely susceptible,” explained Dr. Sarah E. Hochman, an epidemiologist and head of infectious diseases at NYU Langone Health’s Tisch Hospital, in an April interview with YSL News. “Any environment where people gather can see outbreaks, and similar cases can occur within family units or household contacts. These situations typically do not reach public health radar as much as larger gatherings.”

This article has been updated to include recent information.