Getting infected with a stomach virus is the last thing anyone wants on vacation – being forced to spend the holiday huddled in the bathroom.
But food safety experts told DailyMail.com that hundreds of people fleeing the cruise ship could become a reality.
Dr. Darrin Detweiler, a leading U.S. food safety expert, told DailyMail.com that cruise ships, with their cramped cabins, thousands of people on board, and large amounts of shared food, can easily spread E. coli, salmonella, and norovirus. He said that viruses such as these are common.
The highly contagious infection is spread through contaminated food, water, or improper food handling and causes abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, and fatigue.
In severe cases, dehydration and organ failure may occur and hospitalization may be required.
Dr. Darin Detwiler, a leading U.S. food safety expert, told DailyMail.com that norovirus is the most common stomach disease on the high seas.
CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) tracks and tests for gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships, and in 2024, CDC recorded 10 incidents affecting 1,040 passengers. .
Seven of these outbreaks were caused by norovirus and three were caused by salmonella or E. coli.
These viruses are usually caused by ingesting water or food contaminated with feces, or by consuming undercooked foods such as meat, eggs, and fish. The virus can then spread if someone comes into contact with a surface that was touched by an infected or sick person.
Overall, the CDC estimates that 2 to 4 percent of cruise passengers experience these illnesses each year.
And with an estimated 31.7 million people sailing around the world, more than 500,000 could become ill.
Dr. Detwiler said cruise ships face “unique challenges” when it comes to food safety, “particularly because they serve large numbers of passengers in confined spaces where disease can spread rapidly.” Point out. They are like floating cities. ”
He added: “Cruise ships typically source food internationally and call at various ports to replenish supplies. This changes safety standards, especially when it comes to fresh produce, meat and seafood. There is a possibility.”
Although most gastrointestinal illnesses involve mild symptoms, vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and pregnant women may experience more severe symptoms such as severe dehydration, organ failure, and “or in extreme cases, death.” You may face complications.
To reduce the chance of getting sick at sea, a university professor told this website seven safety measures.
Wash your hands often, the old-fashioned way
Detwiler said the most effective way to prevent infection on a cruise ship is to wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, or the length of two Happy Birthday songs.
He noted that this is especially important to do before meals.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers “can be helpful,” but “may be less effective against norovirus, so make hand washing a priority.”
Dr. Detwiler recommended educating young children about tummy bugs and possible illnesses to help them develop the habit of washing their hands.
Avoid buffets during peak hours
Dr. Detweiler advises eating during off-peak hours when buffet food turnover is high, or opting for made-to-order items.
Buffets are known to be hot spots for contamination, especially if food is left out for long periods of time.
To minimize risk, Dr. Detwiler advises eating during off-peak times when “food turnover is high,” or opting for items that are made to order.
During peak hours, people gather around food stations, increasing the risk of contamination.
The CDC emphasizes that hot foods should be “steamed,” while cold foods should be visibly cooled.
“Bacteria that cause food poisoning multiply rapidly when food is in the danger zone of 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit,” the agency said.
Bacteria grow faster at these temperatures, making it easier for norovirus and E. coli to thrive.
Norovirus is the most common type of gastroenteritis and usually occurs when a sick person touches food before serving it. However, foods such as fish and seafood can become naturally contaminated.
Most people recover without complications, but severe vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration and require medical attention.
E. coli is a bacteria that causes similar symptoms. It can also be found in raw or undercooked meat. Most strains are mild, but some can cause severe cramps and bloody diarrhea.
Observe how food is prepared
Dr Detwiler told DailyMail.com that when visiting buffet stations and other dining areas onboard a ship, it is important to see how the food and drinks are prepared.
Some of his complaints are servers not wearing gloves, unclean serving spoons, and food being stored at the wrong temperature.
Cruise ship bars, on the other hand, should avoid drink accompaniments, he said.
A 2007 study published in the Journal of Environmental Health found that nearly 70 percent of lemon slices used as bar garnishes were contaminated with bacteria.
Dr. Detwiler says if you see unsanitary behavior on a cruise, “it’s really important to speak up and say something.”
Please skip the oysters and steak tartare.
“Raw seafood and undercooked meats, such as rare steak tartare or ribeye, are more likely to carry pathogens,” Dr. Detwiler said.
Although rovers filled with everything from oysters to clams are considered a luxury dining option at sea, Dr. Detwiler advises avoiding them.
In fact, he recommends avoiding all raw and undercooked foods due to the possibility of contamination.
He explained: “Raw seafood and undercooked meats, such as steak tartare or rare ribeye, are more likely to carry pathogens. Spilled eggs are also dangerous.
“Choose well-cooked foods to reduce your risk of exposure to Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.”
Salmonella infection can cause stomach problems and fever, which can be severe enough to require hospitalization.
Listeria monocytogenes can be present in many of these foods. It is usually found in unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, ready-to-eat foods, fish, cured meats, and pre-cut fruit.
Most people infected with Listeria monocytogenes do not become seriously ill. But in some cases, it can cause confusion, seizures, miscarriage in pregnant women, and even death.
Stick to bottled water and be careful with ice
While cruise ships purify their water, Dr. Detweiler said bottled water is “a much safer option and is worth paying a little extra.”
This is because cruise ship water can be contaminated with enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), a type of E. coli that can cause diarrhea. It can also be a source of Legionella, the bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ disease.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia that can cause shortness of breath and gastrointestinal symptoms. Approximately 10 percent of people who contract this disease die.
For this reason, Dr. Detweiler told DailyMail.com that people should consider not adding ice to their drinks if possible.
He added: “Please be careful when drinking tap water or using ice, especially if you are anchored in a foreign port where water conditions may vary.”
Cut and peel the fruit yourself
Instead of cut fruit, Dr. Detwiler recommends choosing whole fruit from your dining area and “cutting or peeling it yourself to avoid contamination.”
Melon slices and pineapple chunks may look appealing on a buffet counter, but Dr. Detweiler says pre-cut fruit carries the risk of bacterial exposure.
There have been several bacterial outbreaks associated with fruit in recent years. Most recently, in 2023, there was a nationwide salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes that sickened 407 people and killed six.
For this reason, Dr. Detwiler says, “Muskmelons are always avoided because they are frequently contaminated and can cause illness and death.”
Instead of cut fruit, he recommends choosing whole fruit from the dining area and “cutting or peeling it yourself to avoid contamination.”
Skip the street food at ground level
The risk of stomach illness while cruising extends beyond the ship.
Most cruise lines offer shore excursions. It gives travelers the opportunity to disembark the ship and explore the area for the day, tasting local cuisine.
However, Dr Detweiler warned against street food, especially where high temperatures can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
he says: “When exploring ports of call, be aware of local market food safety standards.”
“Stay with reputable restaurants and avoid street food that may not meet the same hygiene standards as on a cruise.”
