The luxury Queen Elizabeth cruise liner docked in Hong Kong this morning, carrying 150 poorly passengers and crew members afflicted with norovirus (a.k.a. the runs).
The liner docked at TST’s Ocean Terminal at 6am today, and was later boarded by officials from the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), who carried out onboard assessments of passengers and crew members.
According to a statement released by the CHP, initial enquiries found 80 males and 70 females, aged 17 to 95, had been affected by norovirus. Of those 150 people, 134 are passengers, and 16 are members of the cruise crew, all of whom have shown symptoms of the infection onboard since March 7.
SCMP reports that 1,300 other people on board the Queen Elizabeth were deemed fit to disembark Her Royal Majesty and enter Hong Kong.
Health assessments showed that most of those who contracted norovirus have since recovered, with only 27 quarantined to their rooms, and five others showing symptoms. CHP personnel determined that no hospitalisation was required.
Sufferers of norovirus normally exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and abdominal pain… you know, beyond your garden variety seasickness.
“Norovirus infection typically causes acute gastroenteritis. People can get norovirus from an infected person, from contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces,” said Dr. Raymond Ho, chief port health officer of the Department of Health.
CHP staff provided advice on infection control measures, such as proper disinfection, disposal of vomit, and personal and environmental hygiene. God save the queen.
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