At least 172 people, including over a dozen crew members, aboard a Princess cruise ship have fallen ill from a norovirus outbreak.
CNN reported that the Crown Princess ship docked in Los Angeles over the weekend after the passengers and crew members began suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms associated with the virus.
"Over the last few days, the ship began seeing an increased number of gastrointestinal illnesses, caused by norovirus," said Princess Cruises spokeswoman Susan Lomax. "In response, we have enacted our stringent disinfecting protocols developed in conjunction with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, which includes an extensive deep cleaning of the ship and the terminal in Los Angeles on Sunday before the ship embarks on its next voyage."
The ship docked in San Pedro to be sanitized before setting sail along the Mexican Rivera.
Reuters noted that this is the second time since April that the virus spread on the Crown Princess ship. More than 100 people fell ill while on board the boat seven months ago as well.
The norovirus is highly contagious and can be picked up from an infected person, contaminated food and water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.