76 ill in suspected norovirus outbreak on MS Westerdam 

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) is investigating a suspected norovirus outbreak on cruise ship MS Westerdam, which briefly docked in Hong Kong, with 76 people reporting symptoms of acute gastroenteritis.

The center’s epidemiological investigation found that 38 men and 38 women, aged between 24 and 92, experienced vomiting, diarrhoea and fever. Among those affected, 65 were passengers and 11 were crew members. 

CHP said that the first two patients boarded the ship in Japan two weeks ago, and more cases emerged afterwards. Some patients reportedly vomited in public areas on the vessel.

On-board doctors stated that most cases were mild and stable. Only three people still had mild symptoms when the cruise arrived in Hong Kong, and none required hospitalization. Preliminary stool tests from seven patients confirmed positive for norovirus.

The ship arrived at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on Sunday morning. CHP officers boarded immediately for an investigation and confirmed that proper cleaning and disinfection had been carried out, with satisfactory hygiene conditions. 

The vessel is scheduled to depart for the Philippines this evening. CHP said it would inform the Philippine health authorities of the incident.