On the 13th, the Gironde department of southwestern France issued a statement confirming that the outbreak on the "Ambition" cruise ship, docked in Bordeaux, was caused by norovirus.
The "Ambition," operated by UK Ambassador Cruise Line, departed from the United Kingdom on May 6 and docked in Bordeaux on the evening of the 12th. After a passenger in their 90s was suspected to have died from a "gastrointestinal illness" en route and around 80 people developed symptoms of digestive tract infections, approximately 1,700 passengers and crew were temporarily restricted from disembarking.
The statement said that Bordeaux University Hospital analyzed the epidemiological investigation and biological sample results and confirmed the pathogen as norovirus.
The statement indicated that, at present, no other severe cases have been reported and that the disembarkation ban will no longer apply to those without symptoms.
Meanwhile, isolation measures for those who are ill will remain in effect, and further protective and hygiene measures will be implemented on board, including intensified cleaning. The cruise company will decide whether to continue the original voyage according to onboard medical assessment.
Norovirus is a common pathogen causing acute gastroenteritis, usually resulting in symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea after infection. The virus is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected individuals, contact with contaminated surfaces, or ingestion of contaminated food and water. Therefore, norovirus outbreaks are more likely to occur in densely populated or relatively enclosed environments such as cruise ships, schools, and nursing homes.