Perez Hilton recently reacted after reports emerged that dozens of passengers aboard a cruise ship were quarantined following a possible norovirus outbreak. In a May 15 article published on his website, Hilton remarked:
“Yeah, so, you won’t be finding us on a cruise ship ANY TIME SOON! The hantavirus outbreak is already sparking panic, but now a whole different cruise ship is suffering another virus outbreak — and even more people are sick!…It’s scary out there, y’all! Wash your hands and stay safe!”
In the article, Hilton detailed reports involving an Ambassador Cruise Line ship named Ambition, which was docked in Bordeaux after approximately 50 passengers reportedly became ill with symptoms believed to be linked to norovirus, a highly “contagious gastrointestinal virus” commonly associated with vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain.
Describing the situation, Hilton wrote:
“An Ambassador Cruise Line ship named Ambition is currently docked in Bordeaux, France, where about 50 passengers are sick with what’s believed to be norovirus, a highly contagious stomach flu that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, and more. Not only that, but one of the travelers has even died!”
The podcaster also referenced information reportedly shared with People by a government spokesperson regarding the death of a passenger aboard the ship, which had a possible norovirus outbreak
Quoting the statement, Hilton wrote:
“A government spokesperson told People on Wednesday that a 92-year-old British passenger died on Monday while on the ship — but ‘no link has been established with the gastroenteritis outbreak.’”
Hilton further explained that the passenger reportedly died from a suspected “cardiac arrest”, though an official cause of death had not yet been confirmed by a coroner.
The blogger additionally reported that roughly 50 individuals aboard the allegedly norovirus-affected cruise ship were still experiencing what officials described as “symptoms consistent with an acute gastrointestinal infection.”
What else did Perez Hilton say about the cruise ship affected by a possible Norovirus outbreak?
Perez Hilton further shared additional details regarding the possible norovirus outbreak aboard an Ambassador Cruise Line ship, where passengers and crew members were reportedly quarantined after dozens became ill.
In the May 15 article published on his website, Hilton cited information released by ARS Nouvelle-Aquitaine, which confirmed that the outbreak involved a ship carrying more than 1,700 passengers and crew members.
Detailing the situation aboard the vessel, Hilton wrote:
“ARS Nouvelle-Aquitaine confirmed in a press release, out of a total of more than 1,700 passengers and crew. The ill travelers have been isolating in their cabins as they receive treatment from the ship’s doctor, and a medical team is headed to assist, as well.”
The podcaster further reported that biological “samples” collected during the investigation allegedly confirmed “norovirus” as the cause of the outbreak.
Hilton also cited a statement reportedly shared by the Gironde département through The Times, which explained the findings of the epidemiological investigation.
Quoting the statement, Hilton wrote:
“The results of the epidemiological investigation and the biological samples analysed at the Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU de Bordeaux) confirm that this is indeed an outbreak of viral gastroenteritis (norovirus), transmitted either from person to person or through environmental contamination. At this stage, no serious cases have been reported.”
According to Hilton, the cruise ship had departed from the Shetland Islands on May 6, then stopped in Belfast and Liverpool, where the number of illnesses reportedly began to increase before the vessel arrived in Bordeaux. The ship had reportedly been scheduled to continue its voyage to Spain before the outbreak disrupted travel plans.
Hilton additionally noted that officials stated there was “no evidence” connecting the outbreak aboard the cruise ship to separate “hantavirus” concerns involving another vessel, the MV Hondius.
He further explained that most of the approximately 1,233 passengers were reportedly from the United Kingdom or Ireland. While passengers were initially confined to the ship, Hilton said French authorities later allowed asymptomatic travelers to disembark, while those experiencing symptoms remained onboard for treatment.
Describing the response from authorities, Hilton wrote:
“Everyone was initially confined to the boat, but according to Reuters, French authorities have now allowed some asymptomatic passengers to leave the ship…Everyone who isn’t feeling well is still on the ship where they’re being treated. So, officials are clearly trying to avoid a massive spread!”
Hilton also pointed out that norovirus outbreaks are relatively common on cruise ships and noted that this marked the third such outbreak reported this year.
While discussing the illness itself, Hilton explained that most individuals recover without medical treatment, though certain groups remain at greater risk for dehydration and complications.
“Most people recover without treatment — though young kids, older people, and those with other conditions may get severely dehydrated and need help, per the Mayo Clinic,” Hilton added.
According to a May 14 report by People Magazine, the cruise ship that had been affected by a norovirus outbreak earlier that week, which sickened dozens of passengers, had been cleared to continue sailing, the cruise line confirmed.
Edited by Shayari Roy