Étienne Guyot, the state prefect, said he had decided “to suspend the disembarkation of passengers and crew” and “to limit contact with the port”, as a precautionary measure owing to the “contagious nature of gastroenteritis-type illnesses and pending the results of the tests”.
The illness is not being linked to the hantavirus outbreak responsible for the recent deaths of three passengers on the MV Hondius, which was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde.
After the suspected norovirus outbreak, French health authorities “requested they conduct a routine review of the ship’s health status and records”, with samples sent for testing at Bordeaux University Hospital. Results were expected to take at least six hours.
While the investigation and testing are ongoing, all guests and crew have been instructed to remain on board under the direction of the local shore authorities, said Ambassador.
It said: “As a result of these developments, all shore excursions scheduled for today have been cancelled and guests due to travel on excursions will receive a full refund.”
A man aged 92 died on board the Ambition on Sunday. He had not displayed any norovirus symptoms and the cause of his death had not yet been established, the cruise line said in a statement.
The operator stressed that it took the issue “extremely seriously” with “enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols” rolled out following the initial reports of illness.
It added: “We are providing every support to the deceased’s friends and family and extend our most sincere condolences to them at this difficult time.”
The French health authorities “requested they conduct a routine review of the ship’s health status and records”, with samples sent for testing, with results requiring “a minimum of six hours to be processed”.
Food poisoning has not been ruled out as the cause of the illness, officials said.
Norovirus is spread through tiny particles of faecal matter and vomit and is extremely transferable by touch. It leads to a loss of body fluids and electrolytes, causing severe dehydration, and can result in fatal low blood pressure. The elderly and younger children are most vulnerable.
- The Telegraph
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