French authorities have ordered more than 1,700 passengers and crew members to remain onboard a cruise ship following a suspected norovirus outbreak.
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The Ambition arrived in Bordeaux on Tuesday, carrying mainly British and Irish passengers.
According to the BBC, one 92-year-old passenger has died during the outbreak.
Cruise Ship Virus Outbreak Leaves Dozens Ill Onboard
French health officials say 48 people aboard the ship have shown symptoms linked to the suspected virus.
However, cruise operator Ambassador Cruise Line stated that the deceased passenger did not report any symptoms before his death.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of death.
Due to the number of "active" cases onboard, French shore officials instructed all passengers and crew members to remain on the vessel while investigations continue.
"We would like to reassure guests that we take any illnesses aboard our fleet extremely seriously," a statement from the operator said. "Enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols were immediately implemented across the ship in line with established public health procedures following the initial reports of illness."
The company added that passengers experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms can receive medical consultations free of charge.
According to the operator, the ship is currently carrying 1,187 guests and 514 crew members.
Medical Teams Board Ship as Cruise Outbreaks Continue
The Ambition departed from Belfast on May 8 before stopping in Liverpool the following day.
"Gastrointestinal illness is a common condition that causes diarrhoea and vomiting," the BBC's Amy Walker wrote. "Cases in adults are usually caused by norovirus or food poisoning."
"The regional health agency for Nouvelle-Aquitaine said a medical team had been dispatched on board to assess the situation. With samples currently being taken to the Bordeaux University Hospital."
The incident marks the latest health scare involving cruise ships following the recent hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius.
That outbreak killed three people and infected several others.
A French woman linked to the voyage remains critically ill in a Paris hospital after contracting the virus.
Health officials have now linked 11 cases to the hantavirus outbreak, with nine confirmed infections.
"At the moment, there is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, via the New York Post.
"But of course the situation could change, and given the long incubation period of the virus, it's possible we might see more cases in the coming weeks."
