CNN reports that a cruise ship hit hard by norovirus has returned to U.S. in Charleston, South Carolin. 435 of 1,838 passengers aboad the Celebrity Cruises' ship Mercury were sickened by the norovirus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, said the outbreak was the result of norovirus, which can spread from contact with contaminated food or drink, by touching objects infected by people who are already sick, or through close contact with people who are infected, the agency says.
Norovirus is a common cause of viral gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships, the CDC says.
So far this year, three such outbreaks have occurred on cruise ships that docked at U.S. ports, according to the CDC. And in 2009, norovirus was the cause of two outbreaks on the Mercury, the CDC reported.
Those who have experienced the norovirus know that it is a very unpleasant virus. It would completely take the enjoyment out of a cruise. The virus spreads easily and rapily, which makes it very difficult to control aboard a ship.
CNN 
