Published on:

Norovirus Vaccination Being Created To Protect Cruise Ship Passengers

With several deadly outbreaks of the norovirus aboard cruise ships this past year alone, medical researchers have diligently working to find a preventative cure. Some researchers believe they have finally made a breakthrough. New research suggests a vaccine may be able to prevent the norovirus that has been ruining vacations and causing deaths for the past several years.

The norovirus has been referred to as the “cruise ship tummy bug,” often causing vacationers to suffer from cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Dr. Thomas Hooton of the Miami Miller School of Medicine has the disease is “a mess and spreads like wildfire.” It spreads rapidly on cruise ships because the passengers are kept in such close quarters. Every year, 21 million cases of norovirus are reported in the United States alone.

Dr. Robert Atmar, a professor at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston believes that a vaccine will prevent the spread of infection and curb the number of reported illnesses. While questions still linger, a new study shows that participants who were given the vaccine were less likely to develop the stomach bug than those who were given the placebo. The bug also affected the vaccinated participants less frequently than the placebo participants. Similar to the flu, the norovirus has several different strains so doctors are working diligently to create a vaccine to prevent the most common forms. While the vaccine is not yet on the market, it is a step in the right direction to protecting passengers.

Vaccine might one day prevent ‘cruise ship’ stomach bug, www.USAToday.com December 09, 2011


As stated by Dr. Hooton, “No one wants to go on a trip and be sick the whole time.” Cruise ships are expected to keep their premises relatively clean and safe for passengers. Passengers have a reasonable expectation that their rooms and common areas will be kept clean. When an illness spreads aboard a ship, the cruise ship can be held liable for creating an unhealthy environment. If you or a loved one has suffered any type of injury or illness aboard a cruise ship, contact the Miami cruise ship accident attorneys at the Friedland | Carmona today. Fort Lauderdale’s expert boating accident attorneys, Jonathan Friedland and Michael Carmona have dedicated over twenty years to helping cruise ship accident victims recover compensation for their injuries. Don’t hesitate. Call (305) 661-2008 today for your free consultation.

The Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at the Friedland | Carmona have been dedicated to helping accident victims for over twenty years. In addition to litigating cruise ship injury claims, the personal injury lawyers at the Friedland | Carmona also handle motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice claims, wrongful death, nursing home negligence, slip and falls, negligent security claims and construction site injuries. The Friedland | Carmona helps clients throughout the state of Florida, including Boca Raton, Homestead, North Miami, South Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Pembroke Pines, Hialeah, Kendall, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach.

Badges
Contact Information