More than 100 individuals have fallen ill with a highly contagious virus notorious for inducing severe vomiting, so intense it can even cause rib fractures. This alarming outbreak has occurred aboard the German cruise line’s AIDAdiva ship.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among the 2,007 passengers and 640 crew members on this voyage, 95 guests and six crew members have reported symptoms of illness.

The norovirus outbreak was officially reported on November 30, and its primary symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, both of which are common with this virus.

The cruise embarked on an extensive 133-day journey from Hamburg, Germany, on November 10. Throughout this maritime adventure, the ship plans to visit a diverse array of destinations including England, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Panama, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, and South Africa, among others.

The AIDAdiva is expected to conclude its journey and return to Germany on March 23, 2026.

According to Cruise Mapper, the ship had made several stops in the US between November 10 and November 28, docking in Boston, New York City, Charleston and Miami. 

Its itinerary shows it is scheduled to currently be in Costa Rica.  

In response to the outbreak, the CDC reported that Aida Cruises increased cleaning and disinfection procedures, collected stool samples from people experiencing symptoms for testing and isolated sick people.

The cruise departed for a 133-day trip from Hamburg, Germany on November 10. It is scheduled to return to Germany on March 23, 2026 (file photo)

Cases of the norovirus, which causes diarrhea and vomiting so forceful it can lead to cracks or breaks in the ribs, is surging in the US earlier than expected, experts have warned. 

The virus typically surges following the holiday season and into the New Year, as festive gatherings in close quarters are prime environments for the virus to thrive.

However, CDC’s data shows this year’s norovirus surge has arrived weeks ahead of schedule without a clear reason.

Outbreaks have more than doubled compared to this time last year, which could derail upcoming holiday get-togethers.

The latest figures from the CDC show that 12.5 percent of tests for the infection were positive during the week of November 22.

This is about the same as the 13 percent positivity rate during the week of November 15. The latest figures for November 22 show a 25 percent surge compared to two weeks ago, when one in 10 tests were positive.

But the true number of infected Americans is likely much higher, as most people don’t get tested and the illness affects more than 20 million people each year. 

The latest CDC data shows that there were 153 norovirus outbreaks reported between August 1 and November 13 this year. Last year, there were 69 outbreaks during the same time period, and there were 65 in 2023.

According to Cruise Mapper, the ship had made several stops in the US between November 10 and November 28. Its itinerary shows it is scheduled to currently be in Costa Rica

The above CDC data shows a spike in norovirus test positivity in November, though this rate has decreased slightly

The CDC estimates there are 2,500 outbreaks in the US every year. An outbreak is defined as when two or more similar illnesses come from a common exposure that is either ‘suspected or laboratory-confirmed to be caused by norovirus,’ according to the agency.

On the German cruise liner, more hygiene protocols are being put in place, AIDA told USA TODAY in an emailed statement.

The statement read: ‘Seasonal illness peaks between November and April and the AIDAdiva report reflects infection patterns on land. Therefore, we’ve added more hygiene protocols onboard, and cases are already going down.’

According to CDC data, this is the 21st cruise outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness in 2025. Of those, 16 were caused by norovirus. 

Norovirus infects around 21 million Americans annually and sends around 2 million to their doctor’s offices or urgent care. 

It causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to life-threatening dehydration. It spreads through contact with germs from an infected person’s vomit or feces, contaminated food, shared utensils, or surfaces they’ve touched.

While most people recover within a few days, the virus kills around 900 people every year, mostly adults 65 and up. 

Outbreaks are most common in the winter due to a jump in the number of people gathering in groups for holiday festivities, traveling, and staying warm indoors, where pathogens can spread easily. 

Norovirus can appear similar the symptoms of Covid, with both viruses causing chills, fever and headaches

Symptoms of norovirus, which include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, come on quickly, within 12 to 48 hours of exposure. 

Dehydration is a major concern. Frequent vomiting and diarrhea can quickly cause the body to lose fluids and electrolytes, which can lead to dangerously low blood pressure, reduced blood flow to vital organs, and an electrolyte imbalance that may harm the heart and muscles.

Electrolyte imbalances can also result in seizures and, in some cases, loss of consciousness.

Hand sanitizers alone can’t kill virus particles on the skin, which is why doctors strongly recommend washing one’s hands often.

The lowest figures reported this year were from the week of August 9, during which 6.5 percent of tests were positive. 

Norovirus tests are usually done by looking at stool or vomit samples. However, tests are only ordered based on symptoms, and mild cases rarely go reported, making actual figures likely much higher.