PHOTO: Isolation to a cabin is sometimes required to stem the spread of norovirus. (photo by Jason Leppert)

The mainstream media has blown out of proportion the degree to which norovirus occurs aboard cruises.

Truth is, the chances of contracting the disease on a voyage are about 1 in 5,500 according to a Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) report. Still, when an outbreak does rarely occur, isolation mitigates its spread.

For those who don’t know, norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis and in turn stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. It can be contracted by contagious persons or contaminated food, water and surfaces. 

Cruise lines, of course, do everything they can to ensure healthy conditions onboard while making a concerted effort to not only regularly sanitize ships but also screen incoming passengers with health questionnaires.