Aurora cruise passengers struck by contagious illness
31/10/2003
I would like to thank you again for the speedy and sensitive way in which you have dealt with this matter. I would have no hesitation in recommending your firm to anyone in the future.
Pamela, Castleford430 passengers have been struck down with the contagious Norovirus whilst on the Aurora cruise ship in the Mediterranean. 1,900 passengers on the British P&O cruise ship, are unable to disembark from the superliner Aurora and have been confined to their cabins while the crew try and contain the illness. The main symptoms of Norovirus are vomiting and diarrhoea. The disease can last for 1 to 2 days but victims can remain infectious for at least a week. It is transferred through human contact. Outbreaks usually occur where there is inadequate sanitation and/or food becomes contaminated by infected people. Cruise liners have become a common source of infection.
Christian Beadell Partner at Alexander Harris solicitors said: "We have seen a sharp increase in the number of serious infectious illnesses caught overseas this year. We have been contacted by hundreds of holidaymakers who have been struck down by gastric illnesses throughout Europe. We are currently representing in excess of 1400 clients who suffered severe gastric symptoms of the bug Cryptosporidium at the Alcudia Pins Hotel in Majorca in July 2003. This must be an extremely distressing time for the passengers on board the Aurora. The cruise ship has a duty to act quickly to reduce the risk of the infection spreading and provide adequate sanitation. It is imperative that this outbreak is managed properly and these holidaymakers are given advice both medically and legally. As we have seen with many of these holiday illnesses most will recover however it is vital that anyone affected or who believes they may be affected seeks medical attention immediately."
Concerned holidaymakers may contact Alexander Harris freephone illness overseas helpline on 08080 77 44 77 for free legal advice.
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