Norovirus Outbreaks

If you read the headlines or watch the news, then you are probably familiar with norovirus and its association with cruise ships. It seems that cruise ships are particularly susceptible to a norovirus outbreak, causing entire cruises to become sick. And this is not just an unlucky experience, reports of norovirus outbreaks are constantly being reported – with some ships having multiple outbreaks!

Here we answer some of your basic questions about the norovirus:

What is the norovirus and how can I catch it?

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that is contracted from such sources as:

• A contaminated individual
• Contaminated food
• Contaminated water
• Touching contaminated surfaces

How do I know if I have the norovirus?

The norovirus has very specific symptoms. It starts by causing your stomach and/or intestines to become inflamed (in the medical field this is known as acute gastroenteritis). As a result of this swelling, you will experience stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea. You will also find the need to throw up.

Why is the norovirus so often associated with cruise ships?

On the one hand, health officials closely track all illnesses reported on cruise ships, so norovirus outbreaks are typically more quickly reported when they occur own a cruise ship. However, that being said, the nature of a cruise also makes them more susceptible to an outbreak. For example, the close living quarters and crowds means more group contact on a regular basis, thus increasing the chance of becoming infected. Unsanitary conditions, both in the dining areas and in public areas, are also common causes for norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships.

What should I do if I contacted the norovirus while on a cruise ship?

A norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship could lead you to having to seek medical treatment or, in some cases, hospitalization. As a result, you will have had to pay expenses. According to the law, if the cruise ship is responsible for the norovirus outbreak, then you have the right to be compensated for not only these expenses, but all other damages you may have suffered as a result of your injury. It is important to remember that fault does not necessarily mean that the cruise ship was the direct cause of the outbreak, but if they fail to take specific steps to stop its spread and provide care for those infected, they can be found negligent and thus responsible for your injuries.

To get a better understanding to your rights to compensation, it is advised that you seek the counsel of an experienced cruise ship accident attorney. Since 1977, James Cunningham has been helping cruise ship accident victims receive justice and fair compensation. To ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your norovirus injuries, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A., at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) for a free initial consultation.

Types of Cruise Ship Accidents & Injuries