Fears of Cholera Outbreak
A U.S.-owned luxury cruise ship, the Norwegian Dawn, carrying over 3,000 passengers and crew, was allowed to dock in Mauritius after being quarantined offshore due to concerns of a possible cholera outbreak.
Health Clearance
The ship was permitted to dock in the capital, Port Louis, after health officials found no traces of cholera in samples taken from the vessel. The Mauritius government initially blocked the ship from docking following reports of passengers experiencing vomiting and diarrhea.
Health Risks Mitigated
Authorities took precautionary measures to avoid health risks and conducted tests, determining that the sick passengers were suffering from mild cases of gastroenteritis rather than cholera.
Cautious Approach
Despite no confirmed cases of cholera, the government of Mauritius required testing to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The ship had been traveling from Seychelles to Kenya before arriving in Mauritius.
Cholera Epidemic Concerns
Authorities in Mauritius were likely on high alert due to ongoing cholera epidemics in southern Africa. Outbreaks of cholera have been reported in several countries in the region, causing thousands of deaths since January 2023.
Further Testing
Health officials conducted tests on food samples from the ship for cholera as a precautionary measure. While the results were pending, authorities were satisfied with the initial wastewater tests, which came back negative for cholera.
Passenger Disembarkation
Plans were in place for passengers to disembark and new passengers to board the Norwegian Dawn in Mauritius. Health screenings were to be carried out for all individuals leaving the ship.
Luxury Cruise Experience
The Norwegian Dawn, a 964-feet long vessel with various amenities including a casino and theater, offers a premium cruising experience. Prices for cabins range from $2,000 per person for a regular cabin to $47,000 for a luxurious 3-bedroom Garden Villa.