MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Norwalk virus attacks cruises in South America.

At least 230 tourists from two luxurious cruises and suffering from the recurrent Norwalk virus infection had to remain in their cabins while the vessels called in the port of Montevideo over the weekend, reported officials from the Uruguayan National Health Ministry.

"We recommended that infected tourists remain in their cabins to prevent further contagion", said Julio Vignolo Deputy Head of Health Services

The 230 tourists caught the intestinal illness in the "Infinity" and "Norwegian Crown", and the outbreak occurred before the cruise vessels arrived in Montevideo.

Uruguayan sanitary authorities only allowed "asymptomatic" passengers to come down in Montevideo, and declared the situation "under control" with clear diminishing signs of the Norwalk gastrointestinal infection by the time the cruise vessels left the Uruguayan port. To prevent Norwalk virus infection recommendations include: wash hands with soap and warm water after toilet visits and before preparing or eating food; cook all shellfish thoroughly before eating; wash raw vegetables before eating and dispose of sewage in a sanitary manner

Uruguayan sanitary officials reported the situation to Mercosur Regional Epidemiological Vigilance Department, the international cruises organization and Brazilian sanitary authorities since that was the next destination of both cruise vessels.

"Infinity" carries 2,449 passengers and a thousand crew while "Norwegian Crown" 1,104 passengers and 550 crew.

A similar situation occurred in the Caribbean with the "Mariner of the Seas" which had to return last Sunday to Cabo Cañaveral, Florida, when 250 of the 3,465 passengers on board were suffering Norwalk virus infection symptoms.

Meantime Chilean authorities in Valparaíso and Puerto Montt, where the "Norwegian Crown" called during January, announced they are opening an inquiry, with possible sanctions, since the cruise vessel did not present a "sanitary statement" on arrival.

Apparently cruise doctor Pieter Coetzer informed Chilean authorities that the "Norwegian Crown" had approximately fifty cases on board with Norwalk virus symptoms such as vomits and diarrhea, but he did not comply with all maritime sanitary procedures.

According to Puerto Montt Regional Health Secretary Dagoberto Duarte "the first cases of the outbreak occurred on leaving Argentina January 2 but by the time the vessel had reached Puerto Montt, January 8, the number had reached fifty".

Mr. Duarte added that none of the tourists with viral symptoms were allowed ashore and "I'm certain none of them consumed shellfish while in Puerto Montt".