ATLANTA, GA. (WOWO) A norovirus outbreak has sickened more than 90 people aboard the Holland America cruise ship Rotterdam, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Monday. The ship departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on December 28 and completed its voyage on January 9 with 2,593 pass engers onboard. Officials report that 85 passengers and nine crew members experienced gastrointestinal illnesses, including vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. Holland America Line notified the CDC of the outbreak on January 8. In response, the cruise line and crew increased cleaning and disinfection procedures and isolated individuals experiencing symptoms, according to the CDC. Stool samples from affected passengers and crew were collected for testing. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through contaminated food, surfaces, or close contact with infected individuals. Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can include fever, headache and body aches in addition to gastrointestinal issues. Cruise lines are required to report outbreaks when illnesses affect at least 2% of passengers or crew. On the Rotterdam, 3.3% of passengers were reported sick. During the voyage, the ship stopped in ports including Curacao, Colombia, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Aruba, Bonaire and Panama. The CDC continues to monitor the outbreak and advises travelers to follow recommended hygiene and sanitation practices. The information was reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Holland America Line. The post Norovirus Outbreak Sickens 90 on Holland America Cruise Ship appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less