Cruise industry sees more norovirus this year
Created 3/10/2010

A recent rash of norovirus cases on cruise ships is inviting some speculation from medical professionals over whether the virus has evolved into a strain that is more difficult than ever to fight.

A report on MSNBC notes that there have been eight outbreaks of norovirus on cruise ships so far in 2010, compared to just 15 for all of 2009. One expert on infectious diseases was quoted as saying that "it's too early to say" whether the current figures, which include four outbreaks in a single week, mark the start of a new trend for the virus.

Further complicating the situation is the overall toughness of the norovirus, which MSNBC notes can survive being frozen and even being washed with a 10 percent bleach solution. Still, washing hands and using alcohol-based cleansers are the best way to minimize one's risk of falling ill.

People don't have to be on cruise ships to be exposed to serious health problems and sickness when traveling far from home.

In fact, the possibility of needing medical care and possibly even an emergency evacuation from another country is one of the most important reasons to consider investing in travel insurance.

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