Norovirus Outbreak Leaves 200 On New Zealand Cruise Sick

A norovirus outbreak hit a cruise ship near Australia, leaving 200 passengers sick and confined to their cabins, according to health officials.

"It takes relatively few cases to be reported onboard for even more stringent sanitation levels to be implemented," the company said in a statement. "The containment response worked effectively and the number of new cases declined significantly."

More than 1,500 passengers were among those aboard the line, known as Dawn Princess, which left for Australia Monday to complete in a 13-day voyage.

Though the outbreak appears to be waning, according to Dr. Alistair Humphrey, the medical officer of health for Canterbury, the virus was confirmed to be on the ship.

The norovirus is known as a gastrointestinal virus that's transmitted through blood, urine and can cause diarrhea and vomiting for up to three days.

For anyone looking out for the virus this season--including remaining passengers on the ship--it's important to properly wash hands, cover your cough and not share cups with others in order to prevent the spread of germs, etc.

Fortunately, a statement made by the cruiseline has confirmed that affected passengers in isolated cabins are no longer contagious.