DVG statement regarding the cruise ship MS Eurodam.
ORANJESTAD – The Department of Public Health (DVG) came across a social media post on the cruise ship MS Eurodam that implied that, in contrast to other islands, Aruba permits diseases like Norovirus to enter through cruise ships.
Notifying the public that DVG is in charge of keeping an eye on infectious diseases on board every cruise ship that enters Aruba is crucial. Before a cruise ship can visit the port of Aruba, it must submit the Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH) to DVG.
An email was sent to the cruise operator on Sunday night, before the ship arrived in Aruba on Monday morning, based on the information obtained through the MDH 72, 48, and 24 hours before arrival. The following was sent to the responsible ship doctor by the on-duty staff:
"Although a decrease in acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases has been observed, the permitted threshold of 3% of passengers with AGE has been exceeded, indicating an AGE outbreak on board. DVG informs that affected individuals must remain in isolation aboard the ship."
The following stringent hygienic procedures must be adhered to to protect the island's and passengers' health and safety:
- Sick individuals must remain on board and follow isolation protocols until the ship doctor decides otherwise;
- They must implement and strictly adhere to additional hygiene measures;
- MS Eurodam has increased its hygiene measures from level 2 to level 3.
DVG provided guidance and recommendations to the ship to help contain the Norovirus outbreak. Norovirus causes diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain frequently detected on cruise ships.
The DVG’s monitoring system is part of the regional Caribbean Vessels Surveillance System, overseen by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
For more information:
- Like the Facebook page Directie Volksgezondheid DVG Aruba;
- Follow DVG on Instagram directie_volksgezondheid_aruba;
- Visit www.dvg.aw;
- Call 5224200 or send an email to servicio@dvg.aw.
