Stomach virus affects 100 cruise passengers

By The Associated Press
Published: February 04, 2012
Updated: February 04, 2012 - 7:09 PM

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MIAMI --

Officials with Princess Cruise Lines say a stomach virus affected nearly 100 passengers on a ship that arrived in South Florida as passengers on another ship complained of gastrointestinal illness.

A total of 92 passengers and 13 crew members on the Ruby Princess were affected by the Norovirus, which causes vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. The ship returns to South Florida on Sunday.

Meanwhile, there has been an increase in the number of cases of gastrointestinal illness among passengers on Crown Princess, which docked Saturday at Port Everglades.

Spokeswoman Julie Benson says both cases do not appear to be related. The cause of the illness has not yet been determined.

All cabins and public areas on the ships are being disinfected, which will delay embarkation.