A deadly norovirus outbreak on P&O Cruises’ Arcadia claims the life of a 77-year-old British passenger, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
At a Glance
- 2024 named worst year for stomach illness outbreaks on cruise ships in over a decade
- Norovirus outbreak on P&O Cruises’ Arcadia results in death of Alan Forster, 77
- 890 cases of stomach illness reported across five outbreaks in the past month alone
- CDC estimates 19-21 million norovirus cases annually in the U.S.
- Forster’s family seeking answers and accountability from P&O Cruises
Unprecedented Surge in Cruise Ship Norovirus Outbreaks
A surge in norovirus cases has swept across the United States, with cruise ships bearing the brunt of the impact. In the past month alone, a staggering 890 cases of stomach illness were reported across five recorded outbreaks, affecting 781 passengers and 109 cruise employees.
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Cruise Passenger Dies Amid Norovirus Outbreak That Sickened Dozens
— Outbreak Updates (@outbreakupdates) January 6, 2025
Tragedy Strikes P&O Cruises’ Arcadia
Amidst this alarming trend, a particularly tragic incident unfolded on the P&O Cruises’ Arcadia. Alan Forster, a 77-year-old former teacher from the United Kingdom, fell victim to the norovirus outbreak onboard. Two weeks into a month-long cruise, Forster began experiencing severe symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.
Forster’s condition rapidly deteriorated, and he collapsed a week after reporting his initial symptoms. Despite being placed on a drip, he received no further treatment onboard. The delay in adequate medical care proved fatal, as Forster was eventually hospitalized in St. John’s, Canada, where he tragically succumbed to suspected kidney failure.
Family Seeks Answers and Accountability
The Forster family, devastated by their loss, is now demanding explanations and accountability from P&O Cruises. The outbreak affected 128 passengers out of 1,959 onboard, according to CDC reports. P&O Cruises has expressed sympathy and confirmed that an investigation is underway, stating that medical care was initiated once Forster’s condition worsened.
“We were saddened to receive a letter from solicitors informing us of the death of Mr Forster approximately three weeks after his disembarkation from Arcadia and making a claim for compensation.” a P&O Cruises statement read.
This incident underscores the critical need for improved prevention measures and swift medical treatment for passengers on cruise ships. The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program regularly inspects cruise ships, scoring them out of 100 based on cleanliness and other factors. However, the recent spike in norovirus cases suggests that current measures may be insufficient.
Broader Implications for the Cruise Industry
The Arcadia tragedy is not an isolated incident. Recent outbreaks have been reported on multiple ships, including Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam, Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess, and Holland America Line’s Rotterdam. An unknown outbreak began on December 21 aboard Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2, expected to last through January, 2025.
Experts emphasize that norovirus spreads easily and can survive on surfaces for extended periods. They stress that thorough handwashing with soap and water remains the best prevention method. As the cruise industry grapples with this crisis, it must prioritize passenger safety and implement more stringent health protocols to prevent future tragedies and restore public confidence in cruise travel.
Sources:
Cruise ships witness worst year for stomach bug outbreaks in over a decade
Norovirus Outbreak Leaves One Passenger Dead And Dozens Sick On A Cruise Ship In US
Passenger dies after norovirus outbreak on P&O cruise
