Norovirus Outbreak on Three Cruise Ships Raises Concern for Passenger Safety

PRLog (Press Release) - Feb 07, 2012 - Only 37 days into 2012, and already three U.S. based passenger cruise ships have sickened hundreds of passengers with a highly contagious Norovirus this year.  The Norovirus (Norwalk virus), which causes diarrhea and vomiting, is highly contagious and spreads from person to person, through contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The tight quarters of cruise ships are the perfect breeding ground for such a virus and can sicken passengers quickly.

According MSNBC, 105 people on the Ruby Princess and 394 people on the Crown Princess, both of Princess Cruise Lines, were sickened and Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas also reported an outbreak of the Norovirus.  All three ships departures were delayed shortly so that the crew could decontaminate the ships.

Monk disinfectant wipes, available through Apollo Safety, are highly effective in killing the Norovirus.  They work on washable hard, nonporous surfaces of appliances, computer keyboards, bathroom fixtures, countertops, sinks, shower stalls, toilet seats, desks, doorknobs, floors, telephones, lab benches, and other surfaces made of Acrylic, finished woodwork, glass, metal, plastic, and Upholstery-vinyl and plastic, making them perfect for a ship environment.
“The spread of the Norovirus can happen quickly and can infect hundreds of people,” said John V. Carvalho III, president and CEO of Apollo Safety.  “It’s important that when disinfecting to prevent others from becoming ill, an EPA registered disinfectant be used.  Monk wipes are perfect for the job because they are effective in killing the virus and can be used to safely clean nearly all hard surfaces.”

Monk wipes are available through Apollo Safety at, http://www.monkdisinfectantwipes.com, http://www.apollosafety.com or by calling  (800) 813-5408.
Apollo Safety is the leading safety and technical service provider in New England, and serving by courier across the United States and internationally.  A veteran-owned small business by John and Tracy Carvalho, Apollo Safety is a trusted safety provider carrying a full line of quality products and tools for work in a hazardous environment.