Some Norwalk Virus trivia

[chump1]

This is an article I came across on the web. Although it is a Canadian story, the pattern holds true -- cruise ships, schools, hospitals, anywhere with lots of people in a confined space can nurture the virus.

http://www2.mybc.com/news/bc/fs.cfm?...id=&id=1248050

[chump1]

This is an article I came across on the web. Although it is a Canadian story, the pattern holds true -- cruise ships, schools, hospitals, anywhere with lots of people in a confined space can nurture the virus.

http://www2.mybc.com/news/bc/fs.cfm?...id=&id=1248050

[chump1]

An interesting article is available by going here -- this is quite informative.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/tips/tipsarticle.cfm?ID=67

[Scott H]

Thanks for posting those great articles. I'm shocked at how many people believe Norwalk virus will kill anyone who sets foot aboard a cruise ship.

I recently sent vacation notices to my colleagues, telling them I'll be off for a week in February and on board a cruise ship. Every single one of them (5 total) made either a wisecrack or offered their concern for my gastrointestinal health.

The "Norwalk aboard cruise ships" is this winter's version of last summer's "epidemic of shark attack" news stories. The news media in America is not always wholly responsible, and they're definitely prone to exaggeration. To them, it's a great story: "Luxury vacation RUINED! Film at 11!" or "Will eating at this ship's elegant midnight buffet get you more than you bargained for? Tune in tonight!"

The medical and scientific (not to mention statistical!) facts of this case rarely get reported. Non-exciting factoids like "you can get Norwalk almost anywhere", or "it's happened on cruise ships before, just without the media feeding frenzy" simply don't make good TV news.

I know most of the cruisers here aren't worried - I just wish the general public was better educated and not so neurotic. But, since I do love old sayings, here's one of my favorites: "Think how stupid the 'average' person is. Then realize that 50% of the population is stupider than that."


-Scott H
Chicago

[chump1]

Scott H. -- glad you liked the articles. I, too, have been getting the, "Don't get sick on the ship" wishes from friends and the like.

The whole concept about 'fear mongering' is explored in the movie Bowling for Columbine. There's a prof in California who's written a book, I think it's called the Culture of Fear in America (Mark Glassner, PhD). I might try to get a copy -- I think it might make interesting cruise reading!

Less than a week to go for me -- here's to healthy cruises for both of us!

[JoeB]

The "Norwalk aboard cruise ships" is this winter's version of last summer's "epidemic of shark attack" news stories.

Ever study logic? I'll give you a hint- 'slippery slope'...the premise that if something small happens, it must then be indicative of a larger problem. You sound a lot like Rush Limbaugh here.