Royal Caribbean cruise turns into nightmare as 140 passengers get sick
Seven crew members and 134 passengers aboard the Navigator of the Seas reported symptoms like vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea during the week-long cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The exact cause of the outbreak remains undetermined, leaving health officials to investigate.
In response, the popular cruise company implemented enhanced cleaning measures, including isolating those affected and increasing onboard sanitation protocols, the CDC confirmed.
'The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority,' a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean Group, the line's parent company, told USA TODAY.
'To maintain an environment that supports the highest levels of health and safety onboard our ships, we implement rigorous cleaning procedures, many of which far exceed public health guidelines,' the statement continued.
This incident is part of a broader trend, with 18 gastrointestinal outbreaks reported on cruise ships in 2025 that met the CDC's threshold for public notification - when at least 3 percent of the crew or guests have any highly contagious symptoms.
However, most of these outbreaks have been linked to norovirus - a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.
'Norovirus is often a cause of gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships, but we don't always know the cause of the outbreak when we begin an investigation. Finding the agent that caused an outbreak (causative agent) can take time,' the CDC said in a statement.
Royal Caribbean is no stranger to such outbreaks.
In February 2025, over 90 passengers on a different Royal Caribbean cruise - Radiance of the Seas - also experienced symptoms of gastrointestinal illness.
Despite the prevalence of such incidents on cruise ships, the CDC maintains that these outbreaks represent only 1 percent of all reported gastrointestinal illnesses.
However, with a newly dominant strain of norovirus circulating both on land and at sea, health officials are closely monitoring the situation.
'CDC data show a newly dominant strain is currently associated with reported norovirus outbreaks on land,' the agency said in an emailed statement. 'Ships typically follow the pattern of land-based outbreaks, which are higher this norovirus season.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Medical News Today
an hour ago
- Medical News Today
Abecma side effects and how to manage them
As with other drugs, Abecma can cause side effects, such as fever, fatigue, and muscle and bone pain. If side effects of Abecma become difficult to tolerate, talk with your doctor or (idecabtagene vicleucel) is a brand-name intravenous (IV) infusion that's prescribed for adults with multiple myeloma in certain you have problems with side effects from Abecma, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss ways to manage side effects or other available treatment has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the 'Boxed warnings for Abecma' section.»Learn more about Abecma, including details about its common side effects of AbecmaAbecma can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects persist, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Abecma in clinical trials:fevernauseaheadachemusculoskeletal paindiarrheainfectionfatiguechillsdifficulty breathingcytokine release syndrome (CRS)For more information about some of these side effects, see the 'Managing side effects' section and the 'Boxed warnings for Abecma' side effects of AbecmaMild side effects can occur with Abecma use. This list may not include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To find out more, you can refer to Abecma's prescribing side effects that have been reported with Abecma include:fever and chillsnausea and vomitingheadachemusculoskeletal paindiarrheaconstipationmild upper respiratory infection, such as the common coldfatigueskin rashedema (swelling from fluid retention)These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects continue, worsen, or become too difficult to tolerate, be sure to talk with your doctor or After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect during or after treatment with Abecma and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call more information about some of these side effects, see the 'Managing side effects' side effects of AbecmaAbecma may cause serious side effects. The following list may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Abecma's prescribing you develop serious side effects during or after Abecma treatment, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency side effects that have been reported include:severe infectionlow levels of immunoglobulins (antibodies)CRSneurologic toxicitieshemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome (HLH/MAS)prolonged cytopenia (low blood cell levels)T-cell malignancies (cancers)For more information about some of these side effects, see the 'Boxed warnings for Abecma' reactionFor some people, Abecma can cause an allergic reaction, but it's not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug's general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or to manageFor mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you've had a serious allergic reaction to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), your doctor may recommend treatment with a different medication instead. (Abecma contains DMSO.)Boxed warnings for AbecmaAbecma has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be is a type of cancer immunotherapy called CAR T-cell therapy. These therapies, including Abecma, carry certain serious risks. If you have questions about the following warnings, you can ask your doctor to provide more may cause CRS, which occurs when the immune system suddenly releases a large number of cytokines into the bloodstream. Cytokines are special proteins that help your immune system work. But in large amounts, cytokines cause too much inflammation in your body. CRS can be mild to severe and even life was common in studies of Abecma, causing symptoms such as fever, low blood pressure, and a fast heart rate. Some participants developed more severe symptoms. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of CRS during or after your Abecma infusion. Due to the risk of this side effect, your healthcare team will monitor you closely during and after your Abecma infusion and treat CRS if it occurs. CRS is typically treated with medications that reduce inflammation, including tocilizumab (Actemra) and corticosteroids. Neurologic toxicitiesAbecma may cause neurologic toxicities, which are side effects of the drug that affect the brain and nerves. Common side effects seen in Abecma's studies include mild headache, dizziness, and tremor. In rare cases, Abecma may cause serious and life threatening neurologic toxicity, such as seizures and encephalopathy (brain damage).Due to the risk of this side effect, your care team will check for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity every day for at least 7 days following your Abecma infusion. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any brain- or nerve-related symptoms during or after your Abecma for neurological toxicities usually includes medications, such as antiseizure drugs, to treat or help prevent is a rare, potentially life threatening condition resulting from widespread inflammation throughout the and symptoms of HLH/MAS reported from Abecma use in studies include low blood pressure, low blood cell counts, hypoxia (low oxygen), and problems with multiple organs. HLH/MAS can be fatal without early recognition and care team will monitor you carefully and treat the condition if it occurs. Treatment varies depending on the specific symptoms and their severity. Doctors typically give medications that reduce inflammation and manage cytopeniaAbecma's treatment regimen, including chemotherapy, may cause long-lasting cytopenia (low blood cell counts). Depending on the cell type, low blood cell counts can cause anemia, an increased risk of infections, and have blood tests throughout treatment so your doctor can monitor your blood cell levels. If your counts become too low, they'll prescribe treatments to raise them, such as blood transfusions.T-cell malignanciesIt's possible to develop another type of blood cancer following Abecma treatment. (Abecma is used to treat multiple myeloma, which is a type of blood cancer.) Specifically, Abecma can cause T-cell malignancies (cancers), including acute myeloid leukemia. (T cells are a type of immune system cell.) T-cell malignancies were an uncommon side effect reported in studies of to this risk, you'll have regular follow-up visits with your doctor to monitor for cancers after your Abecma treatment ends. Your doctor will likely recommend lifelong monitoring. If you have questions about the monitoring process, talk with your doctor about what to side effectsAfter receiving Abecma, you may be able to take steps to make side effects easier to manage. If you have problems with side effects that do not go away or they become worse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss options for managing side effects or other available treatment painMusculoskeletal pain was a common side effect reported in studies of Abecma. People reported the following symptoms: joint pain and stiffnessneck or back painbone painmuscle pain, strain, and stiffnessnoncardiac chest pain (chest muscle pain not involving the heart)Steps you can take to manage symptoms of mild pain include:taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relieversapplying warm or cold compresses to the affected areastrying alternative remedies, such as acupunctureIf you experience more significant or ongoing pain, consider talking with your doctor about treatment options, such as prescription pain relievers. DiarrheaFor some people, Abecma can cause diarrhea. This side effect was common in studies of Abecma. Most cases were mild, but some people developed more severe diarrhea. Steps you can take to manage mild diarrhea include:avoiding certain foods or drinks that may cause diarrheadrinking water with electrolytes to help prevent dehydrationtaking OTC antidiarrheal medication, such as loperamide (Imodium)If these steps don't help or your diarrhea is severe, talk with your doctor about other possible causes. For example, certain infections can also cause diarrhea, and Abecma treatment increases your risk of infection. Your doctor can help determine the cause of diarrhea and recommend suitable treatment options.»Read more: Is it normal for diarrhea to last for a week?InfectionAbecma treatment can raise your risk of infection. Mild to severe infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other microbes were commonly reported in studies of Abecma. Examples include upper respiratory infections and pneumonia. Symptoms vary widely depending on the type of infection, but may include:fever or chillsbody acheswet or dry coughsore throatdifficulty breathingdigestive tract issues, such as vomiting or diarrheaYour doctor will monitor you for infection. If you experience symptoms of an infection or think you have one, tell your doctor. They can order certain tests to help identify the underlying cause and determine whether treatment is necessary. Steps you can take to manage your risk of infection and treat symptoms include:avoiding people who have an infectionwashing your hands with soap and water frequentlywearing a mask in public placestaking OTC medications or trying home remedies for specific symptoms, such as fever»Learn more: 8 ways to avoid colds and the for AbecmaTake note of the following important information to consider before receiving has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the 'Boxed warnings for Abecma' precautionsBefore Abecma treatment, discuss your health history with your doctor. Abecma may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:active infections or inflammatory disorderspast infection with any of these viruses: hepatitis B virus (HBV) or HCVHIVcytomegalovirusprevious allergic reaction to this or a similar drugpregnancybreastfeedingDisclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Win 1 of 8 fantastic holidays to places like the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun Travel Awards
THE Sun Travel Awards 2025 launch today, giving YOU the chance to vote for your favourite travel companies and destinations - and win one of EIGHT great breaks. Nothing is more important to you - our amazing readers - than their holidays and you've got strong opinions as to who has served you best over the last year. 10 So now we want to reward the travel companies, airlines and attractions you turn to for your precious breaks. Vote for the ones you rate the highest in our 12 categories, left, and you could win one of the incredible prizes, below. They include the chance to soak up the sunshine in Tobago, hit the beaches of Mexico, cruise to the majestic Fjords, have family fun in Greece and enjoy luxury stays in fabulous hotels in Corfu and Cyprus. You have until August 31, 2025 to vote. The winning companies will be presented with their Sun Travel Award at a special ceremony in autumn. VOTE NOW Can't see the form? Click here. THE PRIZES KICK BACK ON A CARIBBEAN ISLAND Kick back and relax alongside idyllic Caribbean beaches with this fabulous prize for two. Unspoilt, untouched and undiscovered Tobago is everything you've ever dreamed about the Caribbean and more. The trip includes return economy class flights on British Airways to Tobago for two and a seven-night stay at the beautiful Starfish Tobago Resort and transfers. The hotel sits beside a beautiful beach where turtles still lay their eggs and features a lagoon-style pool with a swim up bar to sip while you dip! 10 HEAD TO MEXICO FOR ALL-INCLUSIVE BEACH STAY The astonishing AVA Resort awaits with a seven-night elevated all-inclusive stay at this brand new 5* resort inspired by the pristine white sands and translucent blues of the Mexican Caribbean Sea. Every one of its rooms faces the ocean and beach and there are six pools as well as the astonishing 2.8acre AVA Bay - the ultimate water playground to sail, swim, paddleboard or kayak. With 17 restaurants, countless bars and cocktail lounges, a swanky speakeasy and a variety of energetic nightlife options, you'll find it hard to fit everything into seven nights! Prize for two includes return economy flights to Cancun. 10 DISCOVER THE NORDIC FJORDS BY CRUISE Uncover the scenic wonders of Norway and the Netherlands on a fabulous seven night cruise sailing from London Tilbury on Ambassador Cruise Line's Ambience in April, 2026. The prize for two will see you sailing in style to Stavanger and Edfjord before returning via Ijmuiden, gateway to Amsterdam. You'll soak up the views from your Ocean View cabin as well as enjoy full-board meals and wide range of entertainment both day and night. 10 EXPLORE LESSER-KNOWN LESBOS There's a fabulous family holiday for four courtesy of Jet2holidays to win. The seven night all-inclusive stay at the Aeolian Village Hotel will see you relaxing by the pool or the nearby long stretch of sandy beach. Expect spacious rooms, a variety of delicious places to eat and drink and lots of activities to keep the whole family happy. The prize for two adults and two children includes return flights, transfers plus 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage for all. 10 Enjoy a three-night luxury stay at the fabulous 5* Cali Resort & Spa in Paphos courtesy of easyJet holidays. The prize includes bed and breakfast for two at this exclusively for adults resort just 300metres from the Blue Flag Coral Bay beach. Cool down in the 47metre freshwater pool or sunbathe on the luxury sunbeds, sunken in-pool loungers and cool cabanas. The prize includes return easyJet flights to Paphos and a 30minute spa treatment for two in the luxury spa. 10 STAY AT NEW FIVE-STAR CORFU RESORT Indulge in premium all-inclusive at the newly-opened 5* Valmar Corfu with its direct beach access and incredible views over the Ionian Sea. The prize, for two, will see you kicking back and relaxing at this beachfront resort with its three pools, four restaurants, five bars and luxury spa. Also included are return flights from the UK. 10 ENJOY A SCOTTISH COUNTRYSIDE RETREAT Explore the beauty of the Scottish countryside with a three night stay for a family of four at the Wyndham Duchally Country Estate in Perthshire, staying in a gorgeous two-bedroom lodge. This peaceful retreat also invites guests to swim in their indoor pool, dine on seasonal Scottish fare and even enjoy a handcrafted gin from their on-site distillery. The prize also includes breakfast each morning. Prepare to be pampered at The Gainsborough Bath Spa with a two night luxury stay with breakfast. Part of YTL Hotels, this luxurious wellness escape is centred around the Spa Village Bath with exclusive access to natural mineral-rich thermal waters. Included in the prize is one treatment per person as well as dinner on the second night at the Gainsborough Brasserie. 10
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
Exposure to vaping during pregnancy can affect baby's development in womb
A study on pregnant mice suggests that vaping, even without nicotine, could alter a baby's skull shape in the womb. Researchers at The Ohio State University College of Medicine found that exposure to the liquid ingredients propylene glycol and glycerol, used in e-cigarettes, led to these developmental changes. The study surprisingly revealed that a mixture with a higher percentage of glycerol, often considered a safer alternative, caused more significant skull changes than expected. The affected mouse pups showed a consistent narrowing and slight shortening of facial and cranial features, along with a reduction in weight. The findings raise concerns about the safety of nicotine-free vaping products for pregnant individuals, particularly young adults, and underscore the need for further research. Vaping while pregnant can change your baby's skull shape — even without nicotine
