Suspected Norovirus Outbreak On British Ship, People 'Dropping Like Flies': Report

Last Updated:February 23, 2025, 11:00 IST

Passengers were reportedly throwing up on the P&O Iona ship following the suspected Norovirus outbreak. A record number of people in the UK have also been infected by the virus.

P&O said 'fewer than 1% passengers' were infected by the outbreak. (Photo: X)

A suspected norovirus outbreak has been reported on a British ship off the coast of Belgium, causing passengers to “drop like flies" and a large number of guests and staff experiencing symptoms, according to a report.

The P&O Iona ship, which can carry over 5,000 passengers and 1,800 staff, was on a seven-day cruise across northern Europe when the suspected outbreak occurred. “People [were] throwing up in restaurants, on decks, outside cabins," a passenger told Sky News.

The company operating the ship also confirmed that some of the guests “have unfortunately reported gastrointestinal symptoms", but less than 1% of the passengers on board were affected by the disease.

The ship is carrying a large number of families and left Southampton on February 15. The captain of the ship has reportedly made a public announcement on the outbreak and said the staff were doing their best to curb the spread of the infection.

What Is Norovirus?

Meanwhile, a record number of patients in UK hospitals have been infected with the Norovirus. At least 1,160 patients were admitted to hospitals with the viral infection last week, BBC reported citing data from NHS England.

It comes after a 22% rise on the week before, pushing it to the highest level since records began in 2012.

Norovirus, also known as the “winter vomiting bug", is a viral infection that inflames an individual’s intestines, which causes stomach pain. However, it is not lethal and clears up after 1-3 days for most patients, although it can cause serious problems in vulnerable people and young children.

Common symptoms of norovirus are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, high fever, headaches and fatigue. The infection is also highly contagious, and can spread easily through contact, contaminated surfaces and food.

“It is concerning to see the number of patients with Norovirus hit an all-time high and there is no let up for hospital staff who are working tirelessly to treat more than a thousand patients each day with the horrible bug, on top of other winter viruses," NHS England medical director Prof Sir Stephen Powis told BBC.

“To help stop the spread of Norovirus, it is important to remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water and avoid mixing with other people until you have not had symptoms for two days," he added.

‘Staff Shortages Causing Problems’

Meanwhile, some passengers of the P&O Iona ship said staff shortages have resulted in problems with having food delivered, as well as receiving new towels and bed linen.

“What was also incredulous was the inability to buy or get hold of any medication onboard to help with the symptoms. Not one shop or medical centre onboard could supply guests with gastrointestinal suspension medication or replacement salts/fluid sachets," one passenger told Sky News.

Meanwhile, P&O Services said any symptomatic guests who were unable to join shore experiences will receive a full refund. They also said medication is “readily available through our onboard medical centre" and an emergency support number is available 24 hours a day.

London, United Kingdom (UK)

News world Suspected Norovirus Outbreak On British Ship, People 'Dropping Like Flies': Report