Regent Seven Seas Cruises confirms stomach flu outbreak on Cape Town voyager

Authorities of Regent Seven Seas Cruises have confirmed that stomach flu was the cause for concern when its vessel docked in Cape Town on on Monday. A small number of guests were reportedly ill as they reached their destination.

In a response to the Cape Argus, James Arnold, spokesperson for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, explained that mandatory health protocols were followed, which included sanitisation of the vessel.

“At Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the health and safety of our guests, crew, and the destinations we visit is our number one priority. A small percentage of guests on a Seven Seas Voyager sailing which ended in Cape Town, South Africa, have reported symptoms of stomach flu (gastroenteritis).

“The ship’s Sanitation Officer has activated the CDC-approved protocol, and all guests experiencing symptoms are being treated. In an abundance of caution, additional cleaning operations - developed in accordance with CDC guidelines, on top of our standard rigorous protocols - will take place prior to the commencement of the ship’s next voyage.”

Earlier, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) stated that they were awaiting feedback from the Western Cape Health Department and Wellness after being alerted.

“We are aware of the matter and await further details from the Western Cape Department of Health,” the NICD said.

Transnet Port Terminals Cape Town also diverted queries to the Border Management Authority (BMA). BMA said they did not respond to an international vessel in Cape Town.

Foster Mohale of the National Department of Health was also contacted, including the Western Cape Health Department and Wellness. Dwayne Evans said it was for BMA or national response.

Memme Mogotsi of BMA said: “The BMA has not attended to an international vessel that has docked in Cape Town.”

Passengers who were later allowed to disembark told Cape Argus they were in the dark while staff said it was “Code Yellow.”

A worker at the terminal who cannot be identified said the area had been sanitised and that it was treated with great sensitivity and seriousness on the onset: “We were told it is Code Red, people are sick aboard the ship.

“The whole terminal was sanitised, and staff were wearing masks and glove.”

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Cape Argus