Suspected norovirus on current cruise (Commenced 08 September 2007).

John · 09-23-2007, 05:06 AM

Twenty cruise ship passengers on a vessel that made a one-day stop in Halifax on Saturday were told to stay in their rooms after coming down with what was believed to be norovirus.

The passengers were on board the Aurora, a ship operated by P&O Cruises that carries 1,800 passengers, which arrived at the Halifax port Saturday morning and left the same afternoon.

Symptoms have included nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Health Canada said it was waiting for test results and couldn't confirm whether the passengers had norovirus, but P&O Cruises issued a statement that said the illness was "strongly suspected to be norovirus."

"Unwell passengers are asked to comply with the doctor's instructions and isolate themselves in their stateroom until non-contagious," said the statement. "They are also asked not to proceed ashore."

Passenger Joanne Salmon told a media source that staff on the ship were handling the situation effectively.

"Every morning they've been announcing if there's been any more cases and how to keep clean," said Salmon.

A Health Canada official was on the ship Saturday for a scheduled inspection. The federal department told the media source that the illness was contained and there was no concern about it spreading further.

(The Canadian Press)