If you have ever suffered holiday cruise ship illness, you could be entitled to compensation. Outbreaks of Norovirus were responsible for sickness on several cruise ships during 2009, including the Boudicca, the Balmoral and the Marco Polo, which resulted in hundreds of passengers becoming ill.Ten frequently asked questions about Norovirus and cruise ship illness are:
Q: Why is Norovirus referred to as the cruise ship illness?A: Norovirus is by no means limited to cruise ships, although it spreads quickly on cruise ships as it is highly infectious and passes quickly between passengers in a relatively confined space. Health officials are required to track illnesses on ships so cruise ship Norovirus is reported much more quickly than it might be in a hotel, although it is just as prevalent on land.
Q: What is Norovirus and how is it spread?A: Norovirus is named after an outbreak that occurred in Norwalk, Ohio 30 years ago. The illness it causes is often known as winter vomiting disease as the infection is much more common in the winter months but it can occur at other times of the year. It spreads very easily from one person to another and may be caught by being exposed to the virus in the vomit or diarrhoea of an infected person, not washing hands after using the toilet and even by touching surfaces that have the virus on them.
Q: What are the symptoms of Norovirus?A: The symptoms of Norovirus usually start with the sudden onset of severe projectile vomiting. Other symptoms include diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
Q: How can I avoid catching Norovirus on board a cruise ship?A:You can avoid catching Norovirus by washing your hands regularly with soap and hot water, particularly before and after meals, and avoid hand to hand contact with other guests where possible. Also avoid uncooked food where possible and stick to bottled water.
Q: What will happen if I am struck down with Norovirus or food poisoning on a cruise ship?A: After seeking medical help from the ship´s doctor, you should drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and you may be confined to your cabin as a precautionary measure, and to stop the illness being passed on to other passengers.
Q: How long does Norvirus sickness last?A: Symptoms of Norovirus normally last 24-48 hours, but it can take up to three days for symptoms to appear after you have contracted the illness. Continue with good hygiene practices even when you feel better as you could be contagious for up to two weeks.
Q: What are cruise ships doing to stop the spread of Norovirus?A: Cruise ship operators are required to report outbreaks of Norovirus to the health authorities, and crew members are instructed to thoroughly clean the ship after an outbreak. Information should also be distributed to passengers as soon as a Norovirus outbreak is confirmed, and buffet style service stations are often manned to prevent more passengers from contracting the virus.
Q: Can I claim compensation if I contract Norovirus on a cruise ship?A: Yes you may be able to, but cruise lines are not required to compensate guests who fall ill during a voyage. Most cruise liners will offer passengers compensation if they have had to cut short a voyage because of a Norovirus outbreak, or if they have become ill themselves, but you should seek the advice of a trained personal injury solicitor who specialises in holiday sickness abroad before you accept any offer of compensation, as you may be entitled to much more. Read your tickets or confirmation of booking very thoroughly before you travel.
Q: I have booked to travel on the Boudicca Cruise Ship this year, and I know there were several outbreaks of Norovirus reported on board in 2009. How can I be sure that sickness will not strike the ship again?A: There is no guarantee that outbreaks of illness will not occur on any given cruise ship, as passengers could board the ship with a virus. However, given the recent outbreaks of Norovirus on board the Boudicca, you are well within your rights to ask the tour operator, Fred Olsen, what measures have been taken to ensure another outbreak does not occur during your holiday.
Q: Who should I contact if I have a claim for Norovirus or holiday sickness?A: Contact Farnworth Rose Personal Injury Solicitors who are experts in holiday illness and cruise ship Norovirus compensation claims. Working on a no win no fee basis, Farnworth Rose will give you a free claim assessment and help you claim the compensation you deserve for holiday illness and Norovirus. By using a qualified personal injury solicitor to help you claim compensation, you will cut out the middleman and speed up the whole process. Call free on 080001 54321 or fill in the online claim form.
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