The norovirus outbreak aboard P&O Cruises’ Arcadia ship last fall has now been linked to the tragic death of 77-year-old British passenger Alan Forster. Forster, a retired teacher from Paignton, England, was traveling with his wife on a month-long cruise when he fell ill with norovirus just two weeks into the trip. This outbreak has raised concerns about the increasing frequency of norovirus incidents on cruise ships.

Forster’s condition deteriorated rapidly after contracting the virus, causing vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain. He was hospitalized in St. John’s, Canada, after falling overboard. His family reported that, despite being placed on a drip in the ship’s medical bay, no further treatment was provided until the ship docked. Forster later died of suspected kidney failure. His wife Diana expressed frustration at the delays in medical care and lack of answers about the reasons for his rapid decline.

A norovirus outbreak on the Arcadia, which departed from Southampton on September 3, affected 128 of the 1,959 passengers on board, according to a report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The ship made several stops, including New York, Boston, Halifax and Nova Scotia, but the virus spread rapidly among passengers and crew. This outbreak is part of a growing trend of norovirus cases on cruise ships, as highlighted by the CDC, which reported multiple outbreaks affecting hundreds of passengers on different ships last month alone.

In response to the incident, Alan Forster’s family is demanding answers. The family’s lawyer, Jatinder Paul, described Forster’s sudden health decline as “deeply worrying” and stressed the importance of investigating the circumstances surrounding the delay in proper medical treatment. They stressed that while no one can reverse this tragedy, they are committed to holding those responsible accountable and ensuring that no one else has to face a similar tragedy.

P&O Cruises has expressed sympathies to the Forster family and confirmed that an investigation is ongoing. The cruise line issued a statement saying, “We were saddened to receive a letter from the solicitor informing us of Mr Forster’s death approximately three weeks after disembarkation from the Arcadia and a claim for compensation.” He further said that as soon as the ship’s staff became aware of Forster’s deteriorating condition, medical care was initiated and specialist assistance was provided when he was transferred to hospital. However, he promised a thorough investigation into the matter.

This outbreak has drawn attention to the risks of norovirus on cruise ships, especially during the holiday season when people travel and gather in close quarters. Infectious disease experts, including Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University, have warned that the virus spreads easily and can survive for days or weeks on surfaces. Dr. Schaffner stressed that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective at protecting against norovirus and that washing hands with soap and water is the best defense.

Norovirus, known for its contagious nature, can infect travelers quickly, with only a small amount of the virus needed to cause illness. As officials investigate the outbreak on the Arcadia, their focus is on improving prevention measures and ensuring that passengers who fall ill during such voyages have prompt, adequate medical treatment.

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