HEALTH officials will keep Port Denarau, Nadi, under surveillance over the next 48 hours after reports of a virus outbreak in passengers on a cruise liner previously berthed at the marina.
Ministry of Health deputy secretary Dr Jo Koroivueta confirmed the surveillance was mandatory after a suspected outbreak of a norovirus was found on the Rhapsody of the Sea on Monday.
The cruise liner was berthed at the marina before departing for Suva. Its medical crew had reported the outbreak to health officials who boarded the ship while at the Suva Port.
Dr Koroivueta said a surveillance system had been set up during this period. He said a second system was also set up in Suva. According to the Health Ministry's national adviser on communicable diseases, Doctor Mike Kama, 2 per cent of the passengers had contracted the virus.
The norovirus is acquired by ingesting material contaminated with small amounts of infected faeces or fluids.
Dr Kama says the disease is mild, self imitating and resolves within 24 to 48 hours of onset. "We are looking for any cases of the virus and if any of it is found it will be treated accordingly," he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Koroivueta said no cases of the disease had been reported by the surveillance teams.
Port Denarau business manager Cynthia Rasch said she was unaware of the surveillance being carried out at the port.
Ms Rasch said they had yet to be contacted by the Health Ministry.