Swine Flu Prevention on Cruise Ships
Health Screening for Cruises and H1N1 Flu Treatment Available
Oct 26, 2009
In September 2009, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reiterated their commitment to aggressively managing all cases of influenza, including the H1N1 virus on board their member cruise lines. CLIA Executive Vice President Michael Cyre explained that the cruise industry is taking proactive steps “to keep H1N1 off of cruise ships and appropriately manage and treat influenza illnesses when and if they occur”.
Health Screening on Cruise Ships
Swine flu prevention on cruise ships begins with the embarkation process of passengers. In fact passengers can be denied boarding their fully paid cruise if they present an H1N1 risk. Also be aware that an affirmative answer on the health questionnaire can lead to denial of access to the ship.
Health Questionnaires – All passengers are required to complete and sign a written questionnaire prior to boarding most cruise ships. A secondary screening will be conducted if the passenger answers affirmatively to having flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat. A second screening is also given if a passenger reports that they have had contact with a confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) case.
Thermal Imaging Cameras – MSC Cruises have begun to use thermal imaging cameras on each of their 11 cruise ships to check embarking passengers for elevated body temperatures. If the scanner detects a fever of 100.4 F or greater, the guest will be checked for additional signs of influenza such as cough, sore throat, runny nose, headaches and vomiting. Airports in Mexico and Australia have also been using this technology to identify passengers with a fever.
Passengers Denied Boarding
Flu Symptoms – Passengers will not be permitted to travel if they exhibit influenza like illness or have been in contact with an H1N1 case as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Medical personnel at each cruise line will make case by case decisions regarding the boarding of these passengers. If there are flu symptoms, the passenger may be given an Influenza Rapid Test Kit. But since not all Influenza A cases are H1N1, further processing is required.
Costs of Missed Cruise – Some passengers that are denied boarding may have to wait days in a hotel before their H1N1 tests come back . For those that didn’t have H1N1, can they recoup the costs of the portion of the cruise they missed? Some cruise insurance will cover the costs, while those uninsured may only receive compensation for the cruise days they missed. Normally, no additional lodging or airfare expenses will be covered by the cruise lines.
H1N1 Flu Treatment with Tamiflu
Passengers that contract H1N1 while onboard will have access to antiviral medication. Most cruise ships that operate internationally will maintain appropriate medications, including anti-virals effective in treating the H1N1 virus. The CDC has approved a couple of different prescription drugs, under the brand name of Tamiflu or Relenza. Either Tamiflu or Relenza will be available on most cruise ships.
In addition to health screening through pre-boarding questionnaires and the access to antivirals that treat H1N1, cruise ships have strict sanitation procedures to manage onboard illnesses. To further protect against the H1N1, passengers can get the H1N1 vaccine before taking a cruise vacation.
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