A cruise ship has fallen victim to the highly contagious norovirus, leaving nearly 100 passengers and crew members ill. This marks the 21st cruise ship outbreak of norovirus this year, according to the CDC. But here's where it gets controversial: while proper hygiene and sanitation measures are crucial in preventing the spread of the virus, some experts argue that alcohol-based sanitizers may not be as effective as we think. And this is the part most people miss: while the cruise line increased cleaning and disinfection efforts, proper handwashing with soap and water is still the best way to protect yourself from the virus. The AIDAdiva cruise ship, which set sail from Hamburg, Germany, and was headed to England, the U.S., Mexico, and Costa Rica, was hit with the outbreak. The CDC reports that 95 passengers and 6 crew members reported symptoms, including diarrhea and vomiting. The cruise line took immediate action, implementing enhanced sanitation measures and isolating those who became ill. But the question remains: how can we prevent future outbreaks on cruise ships? And what role do alcohol-based sanitizers play in this equation? It's time to dive into the details and explore the controversy surrounding norovirus prevention on cruise ships.
