Cruise ship
Cholera suspected on cruise ship
The cruise ship “Norwegian Dawn” set off on its journey from South Africa on February 13th. photo
© Po Mike Lutz/dpa
Cases of vomiting diarrhea on board a cruise ship are raising alarm bells in Mauritius – because cholera is spreading in southern Africa. Now the passengers have to be patient.
After a series of gastrointestinal illnesses on board the “Norwegian Dawn”, the authorities in Mauritius refused to allow the ship to dock in the port of the capital Port Louis on Sunday, after the French island of La Réunion had previously turned away the ship. Southern Africa is currently experiencing one of the worst cholera outbreaks in years.
A majority of the 2,184 passengers were actually supposed to start their journey home on Sunday. At the same time, 2,279 new travelers were originally supposed to board the ship in Port Louis, the port authority said. There are also 1,026 crew members on the ship. Health Ministry employees took samples from around 15 people on board on Sunday morning. The results of the investigation are expected on Tuesday. According to information from authorities, at least 14 passengers and one crew member are said to be suffering from diarrhea and vomiting. They are isolated in their rooms.
An involuntary rest break is required for passengers who do not suffer from symptoms of illness. “Jogging, eating, relaxing,” said a dpa reporter about the current activities on board.