SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 281 passengers have fallen ill aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
The CDC said in a statement Friday that another 22 crew members also were ill, with people reporting diarrhea and throwing up. Authorities said it was not yet clear what is causing the illness.
Health officials will board the ship today while it’s docked in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Authorities said specimens are being collected for testing.
A total of 3,050 passengers and 1,165 crew members are aboard the Explorer of the Seas.
The CDC said Royal Caribbean officials have taken action, including increasing disinfection procedures and preparing new crew members to join the ship midvoyage.
Front Section, Pages 4 on 01/26/2014