New findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that coronavirus RNA can persist in cabins aboard cruise ships for up to 17 days after passengers have left. This research focused on the Diamond Princess in Japan and the Grand Princess in California, where both ships experienced outbreaks prompting quarantine measures for passengers and crew.
The CDC emphasized the significant risk of COVID-19 transmission on cruise ships, noting that the confined environment and the mixing of travelers from various regions contribute to rapid disease spread. The report highlighted that nearly 20% of the 3,711 individuals aboard the Diamond Princess tested positive for the virus, making it one of the largest COVID-19 clusters outside of China at that time. The study revealed that RNA from SARS-CoV-2 remained detectable in passenger cabins even after the ship was vacated.
While the researchers acknowledged that their findings could not definitively prove transmission via contaminated surfaces, they called for further investigation into how the virus spreads in such environments. It’s important to note that the cabins had not yet been disinfected when samples were collected.
As of mid-March, the CDC reported at least 25 cruise voyages where COVID-19 cases were confirmed during or after the voyages. Given the historical context of infectious disease outbreaks on cruise ships, the CDC strongly advises the elderly and immunocompromised individuals to avoid these travel experiences. The agency concluded that all cruise travel should be deferred globally during the ongoing pandemic.
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In summary, the CDC’s findings underline the urgency of addressing health risks on cruise ships, particularly highlighting the longevity of COVID-19 RNA in passenger cabins and the implications for public health safety.