http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,332550,00.html
Norovirus Sickens More Than 100 Passengers on Mexican Cruise
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
SAN DIEGO — A highly contagious virus sickened more than 100 passengers on a Holland America cruise ship that returned to San Diego Monday from a 10-day trip to Mexico.
Passengers on the Ryndam ship first showed signs of the norovirus six days into the trip, said Erik Elvejord, a spokesman for Holland America Line Inc. The virus causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and lasts 24 to 48 hours.
The virus sickened 104 passengers and six crew members, Elvejord said. The ship was carrying 1,226 passengers and 556 crew members. It visited several ports in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez after leaving San Diego Feb. 15.
An 81-year-old woman who was suffering dehydration was hospitalized after the ship arrived in San Diego.
This is the fourth suspected norovirus outbreak on the Ryndam since early last year.
Holland America, based in Seattle, has not identified the source of the latest outbreak, Elvejord said. Typically, the virus is brought aboard by a passenger.
During the cruise, passengers were repeatedly reminded to wash their hands. Those who were infected were asked to stay in their rooms and compensated $100 a day.
The ship left San Diego late Monday afternoon on another 10-day cruise on Mexico’s Pacific coast after a crew spent the day disinfecting passenger and crew areas, Elvejord said. Holland America told all 1,340 passengers that they could get a refund if they didn’t want to board. Only one couple took the refund.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,332615,00.html
Northwest Airlines Plane Makes Emergency Landing in Tokyo After Burning Odor Detected
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
TOKYO — A Northwest Airlines flight made an emergency landing at Tokyo’s main airport Tuesday after a burning smell was detected inside the cabin, officials said.
No injuries were reported, and police said no crime was suspected.
NW Flight 19, carrying 403 passengers and crew members, landed safely at Narita International Airport about half an hour after taking off from the airport for the Philippine capital of Manila, according to airport police and airline officials.
Airport police spokesman Hitoshi Yanagida said the pilot requested an emergency landing because of a possible fire inside the cabin after crew members reported the smell of something burning near the lavatories.
However, investigators who boarded the Boeing 747-400 found no trace of fire or smoke, Yanagida said.
The cause of the odor was under investigation, he said.
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