World Report: December 13, 2002 Vol.8 No.11
- This Issue:
- Table of Contents
- Cover Story
- Cover Story - Spanish Version
- Mini-Lesson
- Comprehension Quiz
- Teacher's Guide and Worksheets
A Sickening Stowaway Takes to the Seas
There's a bug on board! Nearly 1,000 people in the past few months became sick to their stomachs on cruise ships. Health officials say they may have come down with a strain of the Norwalk virus, a bug that causes stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
Passengers on Disney Cruise Line's Magic, Holland America's Amsterdam, Carnival Cruise Line's Fascination and the Oceana cruise ship became ill. The virus spreads through food, water and contact with infected people.
Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are studying the outbreaks. They say such bugs are common in winter. They urge passengers and crew to wash their hands often.
Cruise lines have taken some ships out of service to scrub them using bleach and steam. They worry about losing business. Being sick at sea is no one's dream vacation.
