France confines more than 1,700 people to cruise ship after suspected norovirus death | France
French authorities have imprisoned more than 1,700 passengers and crew on a cruise ship docked in Bordeaux after a passenger died of suspected norovirus, officials said.
The Ambition ship, carrying 1,233 passengers, most of whom were British and Irish citizens, arrived in Bordeaux on Tuesday. French health officials said a 90-year-old passenger died and about 50 people showed symptoms of the virus.
Operator Ambassador Cruise Line said the deceased guest did not report any symptoms of gastrointestinal illness (GII) and the cause of death has not yet been determined, pending the coroner’s full report.
The company confirmed that there were 48 active GII cases among passengers and 1 active GII case among the crew on the ship, which made a 14-night cruise. It was also stated that French coastal authorities instructed guests and crew to remain on the ship.
The ship left Belfast on Friday and Liverpool on Saturday. The operator’s figures showed a rise in cases after guests boarded in Liverpool.
The company said in a statement: “We would like to reassure guests that we take any illness in our fleet extremely seriously. Following the first reports of illness, enhanced cleaning and prevention protocols were immediately implemented throughout the ship in accordance with established public health procedures.”
“Comprehensive health and safety measures put in place include increased cleaning and disinfection measures in public areas, assisted service at selected dining venues and ongoing guidance to guests on hand hygiene, including regular handwashing, use of hand sanitizers and immediate reporting of any symptoms to the onboard medical team.”
GII-related medical consultations are provided free of charge, the statement said.
The ambassador stated that the authorities in Bordeaux requested a routine review of the ship’s health status and records, adding that an expert medical team and “cleaning consultants” were also sent to the ship.
While on board, the specialist medical team collected available samples for laboratory testing at the University of Bordeaux hospital, and the results took at least six hours to process.
“While investigations and testing are ongoing, all guests and crew have been instructed to remain on board under the direction of local coastal authorities,” the operator said. “Once permission is granted, guests will be allowed to disembark.”
