Passengers and crew from a cruise ship in Bordeaux have been stopped by local authorities after dozens of cases of possible gastroenteritis were detected on board.
Gastrointestinal illnesses is common on cruise ships, but usually does not have major consequences. Although, it can lead to other severe symptoms such as dehydration. Other main symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea.
According to reports from French media, including BFM TV, a 90 year old passenger has died while on board the ship.
The ship's operator, Ambassador have said that 1,701 people, including 1,187 passengers and 514 crew members were on board. While one crew members and 48 guests are showing symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, according to reports.
Despite this, the regional health authority have stated that there is no reported link between the stomach flu outbreak on the ship with the hantavirus cluster on the Hondius ship which travelled between Argentina and the Canary Islands.
This ban on disembarking passengers is temporary, and pending the outcome of medical tests, according to officials.
In a statement, Ambassador Cruise Line have said that enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols have been implemented along the vessel, named the Ambition.
French health authorities have been informed of the decision, and they intend to conduct a review of the health status and records of the ship. It was also confirmed that a specialist medical team was dispatched to the vessel to collect samples for laboratory testing in Bordeaux, which takes at least six hours.
They said: “While the investigation and testing are ongoing, all guests and crew have been instructed to remain onboard under the direction of the local shore authorities. Once clearance is granted, guests will be permitted to disembark".
Le Figaro and AFP have said that the Ambassador Cruise Line Ship which cruised through Belfast on May 8 and Liverpool on May 9, having left Shetlands Islands, was scheduled to travel to Spain, and is carrying mostly British and Irish passengers.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported two outbreaks of E Coli and two outbreaks of norovirus on cruise ships this year.
Known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis.
Earlier, the World Health Organisation had said that they expect further cases of hantavirus from cruise ships, saying "our work is not over", with nine cases reported on the cruise ship, with more passengers expected to be taken ill. More on this story from Nova here.
