France confines more than 1,700 people to cruise ship after suspected norovirus death
The Guardian • • world
Key Points:
- French authorities have confined over 1,700 passengers and crew on the cruise ship Ambition docked in Bordeaux after a 90-year-old passenger died from suspected norovirus and about 50 others showed symptoms of gastrointestinal illness.
- The ship, carrying 1,233 mostly British and Irish passengers, was on a 14-night cruise and had increased cases of illness after embarking guests in Liverpool.
- Ambassador Cruise Line reported 48 active cases among passengers and one among the crew, emphasizing enhanced sanitation and health protocols were immediately implemented.
- A specialist medical team and sanitation consultants were dispatched to the ship to conduct health reviews and collect samples for testing, with all onboard instructed to remain until clearance is granted by local authorities.
- Medical consultations for gastrointestinal illness are being provided free of charge, and the cause of death of the passenger remains under investigation pending a coroner’s report.