Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Dawn is currently quarantined off the coast of Mauritius with a reported stomach illness on board.
“During Norwegian Dawn's South African voyage on February 13, 2024, a small number of guests experienced mild symptoms of stomach illness. “After the ship returned to Port Louis, Mauritius, the ship’s management team met with local authorities to confirm that precautionary measures and measures were taken to ensure the well-being of everyone on board,” a Norwegian said in a statement speaker. “As additional testing is required by local authorities prior to entry, the Government of Mauritius has postponed disembarkation for the current cruise and embarkation for the next cruise by two days to February 27, 2024.”
The Norwegian Dawn was on a 12-day route from Cape Town to Port Louis that began on February 13th.
While on site in Mauritius, USA TODAY and a group of journalists who were scheduled to leave for a press event on Sunday learned that the stomach illness was suspected to be cholera.
“We have tightened our hygiene measures on board the ship as part of our routine measures to ensure a safe environment for everyone on board and will continue to take all necessary measures to protect our guests, crew and destinations we visit,” the spokesman added.
Norwegian provides guests with complimentary hotel accommodations until they are ready to board the ship and assists current guests on the ship with travel arrangements.
What is cholera?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cholera is a waterborne bacterial infection that is very rare in the United States
Symptoms include “severe” diarrhea, vomiting, thirst and leg cramps.
If you are exposed to cholera, the CDC recommends that you be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Cholera can be treated with oral or intravenous antibiotics.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]