CDC & Dirty Cruise Ship

One Way Cruise Lines Fail To Protect Passenger Health:

The well-being of passengers should always be the utmost concern for major cruise lines, however recent headlines are outlining the harmful consequences of sanitization shortcuts being taken across the industry. The MSC Seaside, for example, was forced out of commission by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently for 39 health code violations. The CDC’s established guideline which outlines the necessary measures for cruise lines to ensure the health and safety of passengers and crew will be detailed below:

  1. Sanitation and Cleaning Protocols: The CDC provides specific instructions for cleaning and disinfecting all areas of the ship, including cabins, dining areas, recreational facilities, and, notably, kids’ clubs. Regular and thorough cleaning routines, along with the use of appropriate disinfectants, are essential to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.
  2. Food Safety Measures: The guidelines outline strict procedures to ensure food safety and prevent the occurrence of foodborne illnesses. Cruise lines must adhere to proper food handling, preparation, and storage practices, as well as undergo regular inspections to maintain compliance with CDC standards.
  3. Water and Recreational Facilities: The CDC guidelines address the maintenance of swimming pools, water slides, spas, and other recreational water facilities. Regular monitoring of water quality, proper disinfection, and maintenance are critical to prevent waterborne illnesses and accidents.
  4. Illness Surveillance and Reporting: Cruise lines are required to establish illness surveillance systems to promptly identify and report any outbreaks or clusters of illnesses on board. This enables appropriate measures to be taken promptly, such as isolation, medical care, and implementation of infection control protocols.
  5. Medical Facilities and Staff: Adequate medical facilities and trained medical personnel must be available on the ship to provide prompt medical care and response to any illnesses or emergencies. These facilities should be equipped with necessary medical supplies and equipment to handle various medical situations.

The Dangers Passengers Face:

When cruise lines fail to adhere to the CDC guidelines for a healthy and clean cruise ship, passengers suffer. Some of the major health hazards passengers can face on board cruise ships include:

  1. Infectious Disease Outbreaks: Cruise ships are known to be conducive environments for the spread of infectious diseases due to the close quarters and large number of people in a confined space. Outbreaks of illnesses like norovirus, influenza, or gastrointestinal infections can occur and spread rapidly if proper prevention and control measures are not in place.
  2. Foodborne Illnesses: Contaminated food or improper food handling practices can lead to foodborne illnesses on cruise ships. Bacterial or viral contamination can cause outbreaks of illnesses such as salmonella or E. coli. Inadequate storage, preparation, or handling of food can contribute to these health hazards.
  3. Legionnaires’ Disease: Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. The bacteria can multiply and spread in water systems and cooling towers on cruise ships. Inhalation of contaminated droplets can lead to infection, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.
  4. Respiratory Illnesses: Cruise ships may also be susceptible to respiratory illnesses such as influenza or COVID-19. The close proximity of passengers and crew members can facilitate the transmission of respiratory viruses, especially in enclosed spaces or crowded areas.
  5. Vector-Borne Diseases: Depending on the cruise itinerary, ships may travel to regions where vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue fever, or Zika virus are prevalent. Mosquitoes or other vectors can transmit these diseases, posing a risk to passengers and crew members who are not adequately protected.
  6. Environmental Hazards: While not specific to cruise ships, environmental hazards such as extreme weather conditions, air pollution, or exposure to harmful substances can pose health risks to passengers and crew members if proper precautions are not taken.

While cruise ships offer an enjoyable and relaxing vacation experience, it is essential to be aware of the things you cannot do on a cruise ship to ensure your safety, well-being, and legal rights. It is always recommended to familiarize yourself with the cruise line’s policies, rules, and regulations, and to act responsibly and follow the instructions of the ship’s crew at all times. If you are involved in an accident or sustain an injury on a cruise ship, contact our team of personal injury attorneys to protect your rights and seek appropriate compensation. Contact us Today!

Let Us Help You:

If you or a loved one has been affected by an illness outbreak or suffered an injury due to inadequate sanitation or negligence on a cruise ship, our experienced maritime personal injury lawyers are here to help.

We have a deep understanding of maritime laws and regulations, including the CDC guidelines, and can navigate the complexities of your case. Our dedicated legal team will investigate the circumstances surrounding your illness or injury, gather evidence, and fight to hold the cruise line accountable for their negligence. We will strive to secure the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.

Contact our firm today for a confidential consultation. We are committed to advocating for your rights and seeking justice in cases of cruise ship illnesses and injuries.

Why Aronfeld Trial Lawyers?

Since the firm’s founding in 1991, Spencer Aronfeld and his team of experienced attorneys have been passionately and successfully pursuing justice on behalf of the injured and overlooked. We have spent decades litigating medical malpractice, maritime personal injury, auto accident, and child injury cases to name a few; and over the years we have brought our clients headlining verdicts and life changing settlements. Although we might not be a massive legal enterprise with thousands of lawyers across the world, we find that this makes our work more human, and further impassions the representation we provide to clients everyday. If you have been injured, contact us today so we can begin the fight for you!

truck

Truck Accident

We focus on helping those who have been catastrophically injured in truck accidents throughout the State of Florida.

motorcycle crash

Motorcycle Accident

Our attorneys have over 30 years of experience in representing families of people injured and killed across the State of Florida in motorcycle accidents.

pedestrian

Pedestrian Accident

Our pedestrian accident lawyers are familiar with Florida’s pedestrian traffic regulations and are experienced in the representation of injured pedestrians and their families..

car

Car/Auto Accident

We are Miami’s best car accident attorney firm. We have over 30 years experience fighiting insurance companies on behalf of accident injury victims

Miami-based Aronfeld Trial Lawyers was established by Board Certified Trial Lawyer, Spencer Aronfeld in 1991. The firm represents cases resulting in serious injuries in the areas of Defective Product Liability, Maritime Law, Automobile AccidentsPremises LiabilityCycling AccidentsSlip and Fall IncidentsWrongful DeathMedical and Dental Malpractice, Civil Rights Claims, Workplace InjuriesSexual Assault, and others. Every client receives the full benefit of our experience, our resources, and our commitment. The practice of personal injury law is our calling. We are a firm of high-profile, nationally recognized legal advocates who work for you, our client, never big business. All attorneys and staff members at the firm are bilingual speaking Spanish. To learn more, visit https://www.aronfeld.com/ or contact Aronfeld Trial Lawyers directly at (305) 441-0440.