CDC Confirms 21st Norovirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship This Year

ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported another norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship, the 21st such incident in 2025, with nearly 100 passengers and crew falling ill aboard a German-based vessel.

The outbreak occurred on Aida Cruises’ AIDAdiva during a monthlong voyage that began Nov. 10 in Hamburg, Germany, with planned stops in England, the United States, Mexico and Costa Rica.

According to CDC data, 95 passengers and six crew members reported vomiting and diarrhea. The ship, carrying more than 2,000 passengers and 640 crew, notified health officials of the outbreak on Nov. 30.

In response, Aida Cruises increased cleaning and disinfection procedures, isolated ill individuals and collected stool specimens for testing, the CDC said. The cruise line said cases were already declining and attributed the outbreak to seasonal norovirus patterns that peak between November and April.

Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads easily in close quarters such as cruise ships through contaminated food, water, surfaces or person-to-person contact. Health experts recommend thorough handwashing with soap and water, as alcohol-based sanitizers are less effective against the virus.

 

The 21 outbreaks recorded this year by the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program mark a continued elevated level of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships.

--REAL AMERICA'S VOICE

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