PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Federal authorities say over three dozen American passengers of the MV Hondius expedition ship are being monitored for hantavirus, and that includes at least two Arizonans.
With hantavirus making headlines and a norovirus outbreak reported on a Princess cruise ship, some passengers may be concerned about health complications.
Valley emergency room physician Dr. Frank LoVecchio said he’s heard from friends and relatives worried about going on cruises. But he said common sanitation practices are usually enough to keep cruise viruses away.
“You’ve got to wash your hands with soap and water,” Dr. LoVecchio said. “Most things will get killed by Purell or another hand sanitizer. Norovirus will not.”
Buffets are common on many cruises, but he said they can be breeding grounds for viruses. He advised not directly touching surfaces or items at the buffet.
“Try to touch it with a napkin … then wash in and wash out” he said. “I don’t know if you noticed, there’s always some place to wash your hands. Why do they have this sink right here? And that is one of the reasons why.”
Dr. LoVecchio said hantavirus is extremely rare. The strain from the Hondius outbreak is the Andes strain, which can be spread person-to-person and is not the same strain that is present in the Four Corners region in Arizona. He said norovirus and illnesses like COVID or the flu are much more common.
“Enclosed spaces can lead to some of these respiratory viruses, so good cough hygiene, washing your hands,” Dr. LoVecchio said. “In those cases, you can use Purell, but not in norovirus cases.
He added that norovirus is killed by heat, so it’s unlikely of contracting the illness through eating food.
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