Passengers On Cruise Ship In Baltimore Last Week Have Norovirus In Maine

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Federal health officials say the first cruise ship to dock in Portland, Maine, this season is under surveillance for norvirus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 27 percent of the passengers aboard the Balmoral — operated by the Fred Olsen Cruises — have gotten sick since the cruise began April 16.

The CDC reports that 252 of the 919 passengers on the Balmoral have fallen ill, as well as eight crew members.

Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

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The CDC said the ship has increased its cleaning and disinfection procedures. Two CDC health officers and an epidemiologist boarded the ship during its stop in Baltimore, Maryland, last week.

Fred Olsen Cruises did not immediately return a call seeking comment.