French authorities quarantined more than 1,700 passengers and crew members aboard a cruise ship docked at the port of Bordeaux on Wednesday due to a suspected norovirus outbreak. One passenger reportedly died, while dozens of others fell ill.
According to officials, the cruise ship operated by Ambassador Cruise Line arrived Tuesday at the western French port city of Bordeaux. Most of the passengers onboard were reported to be British or Irish citizens.
90-Year-Old Passenger Dies
Health authorities stated that a 90-year-old passenger had died and that norovirus was suspected. Around 50 people reportedly showed symptoms consistent with norovirus infection.
Departed from Scotland
The ship departed from Scotland’s Shetland Islands on May 6 and made stops in Belfast, Northern Ireland; Liverpool, England; and Brest, France before arriving in Bordeaux, from where it was scheduled to continue on to Spain.
Norovirus is known as a highly contagious virus that affects the stomach and intestinal system.