An infectious outbreak of viral gastroenteritis, specifically caused by norovirus, has been confirmed on the cruise ship “Ambition” docked in Bordeaux, southwestern France. The prefecture of Gironde issued a statement confirming the outbreak, with no severe cases reported so far and plans to allow asymptomatic individuals to disembark. The vessel, operated by British company Ambassador Cruise Line, initially had about 1,700 passengers and crew members restricted from leaving after the death of a 90-year-old passenger, possibly due to a “gastroenteritis-like illness.”
Epidemiological and biological analyses conducted at Bordeaux University Hospital verified the viral origin of the outbreak. Infected individuals will remain isolated on the ship, with continued enforcement of quarantine and hygiene measures. The decision to proceed with the cruise itinerary will be based on further medical information provided by the cruise operator. Norovirus, a highly contagious virus, is a common cause of acute gastroenteritis, often leading to outbreaks in enclosed environments like cruise ships.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed concerns about hantavirus cases potentially emerging in the following weeks after the evacuation of passengers from the cruise ship MV Hondius. Tedros mentioned that 11 hantavirus-related cases have been reported, including three deaths, with nine confirmed as Andes virus infections and two as probable cases. Stressing a low global public health risk, Tedros warned of the possibility of more cases due to the virus’s long incubation period.
