Hundreds Sickened in Norovirus Outbreaks on Cruise Ships in December: CDC

Of the three vessels experiencing outbreaks this month, a Princess Cruises vessel reported the highest number of sickened passengers.

A Holland America Line cruise ship in an undated file photo. Dustin Safranek/Ketchikan Daily News via AP

Three cruise ships have been hit with norovirus outbreaks this month, with one ship reporting more than 100 passengers falling ill, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There have been 11 reported norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships this year, but this is the first time the virus has been confirmed on three ships within a single month. Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea in the United States, according to the CDC’s website.