Illness on Wonder

[WiscBill]

Just back from the Jan 17th cruise. Indeed, they did have a virus outbreak the previous week. On the previous there was also some cold,windy weather, which probably compounded the problem with people staying inside a little bit more than normal. On our cruise the weather was wonderful, with temperatures in the high 70s and calm seas throughout.

Everything was back to normal, except for Diversions, where the snack buffet remained closed the entire trip. The staff would bring out snacks though if you asked.

 

[flexsmom]

We were in room 6116...on the 10-14. Interesting to hear that they drained the Mickey Pool on the next cruise!! Just what I had figured that it came from there. I am telling you this was terrible. I took Clorox wipes and wiped everything down before we went in the room, and also had everyone cleaning their hands frequently with sanitizer and we all still got sick. It was so not good! I hope they have it under control now. I didn't report it because we were not on the ship when we all got sick, so I am not sure what the reports are for our cruise on how many were sick.

They drain the Mickey Pool a LOT - sometimes more than once on one cruise, so I would't read too much into that. On our cruise, it was drained mid-week after all of the kids were evacuated hastily due to a large brown blob of.......ICE CREAM that was dumped into the pool! I wish I had had my video camera for that one! (They did know it was ice cream, by the way - it wasn't a case of mistaken identity - and still determined that the entire pool had to be cleaned.)

 

[jilljill]

We were on the 14-17th sailing and saw the MM pool being drained & cleaned at least once a day.

 

[blkim]

Here are two posts I made over on the cruise critic boards. Again, I did some research and Ive decided FOR ME, what Im doing. Im not going all chicken little and freaking out, I just figured if I was going to bring something such as wipes or hand sanitizer, it was probably best to get one that kills noro and Im convinced that purell does not

I did a little looking around today, and I found that the Purell hand gel does NOT kill the Norovirus, which is most likely what people might get on a cruise. BUT, theres a chemical that does, its called benzylkonium chloride. Germex Wipes in the round pop up container have it (but the single packs do not!) and theres some little spray version of it, called Soapopular that Walmart sells, but I couldnt find it. My issue was trying to find something with that in it that was small, portable and not over 3 oz since we are not checking bags on the plain. I got little 1.7 spray bottles of something called Kids Smooth and Silky Alcohol free hand sanitizer. Its a spray, but turns into a foam, apparently this benzyl whatever doesnt come in a gel. I found it at Target. So now I have the wipes, so I can wipe down things if I want, and the little spray bottles for hands. Im assuming whatever kinds of sanitizer wipes or pumps they have on teh ship are the kind that kill the noro, but in case anyone wanted to get some of this stuff, this is what I found.

2nd post (after someone asked me where I had found the information)

Just going by a few things I read. The first is wikipedia, now I know anyone can edit that, but this article has some good cites and it says right in it that alcohol santizer gels are not very effective in combating Norovirus and the cite for that opinion is an article from the American Journal of infection control. Im not well versed enough to completely understand and debate it, but I did see several other links that specifically say benzylkonium chloride DOES kill noro, and most other things too, so I made the decision to go with that. Heres the link from wikipedia and a few others I found.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hand_sanitizer

This link shows that GoJo, the company that makes Purell has now come out with a new product that is effective against Noro, since previous alcohol based products were not. If regular purell killed noro, why the need to come out with something different?

http://www.handwashingforlife.com/ne...hand_sanitizer

The link below is admittedly a press release from a company who claims to make a product with benzylkonium chloride that DOES kill noro, but I would think they could not come right out and say that if it didnt really do it.

http://www.*****.org/10293424-alcoho...sed-brands.pdf

This link below seems to be a fairly unbiased study done, and I fully admit I dont understand ALL the science, but it does suggest that strictly alcohol based hand gels are not that effective against noro.

http://aem.asm.org/cgi/content/abstract/76/2/394

And lastly this link, again from a company that makes benzylkonium product, but it does cite actual studies. Alcohol based gels alone just dont seem to be effective enough in killing noro. Thats my opinion based on some pretty good research, not just internet sales sites.

http://www.log7tech.com/hand_sanit.php

 

[Princess April]

Here are two posts I made over on the cruise critic boards. Again, I did some research and Ive decided FOR ME, what Im doing. Im not going all chicken little and freaking out, I just figured if I was going to bring something such as wipes or hand sanitizer, it was probably best to get one that kills noro and Im convinced that purell does not

I did a little looking around today, and I found that the Purell hand gel does NOT kill the Norovirus, which is most likely what people might get on a cruise. BUT, theres a chemical that does, its called benzylkonium chloride. Germex Wipes in the round pop up container have it (but the single packs do not!) and theres some little spray version of it, called Soapopular that Walmart sells, but I couldnt find it. My issue was trying to find something with that in it that was small, portable and not over 3 oz since we are not checking bags on the plain. I got little 1.7 spray bottles of something called Kids Smooth and Silky Alcohol free hand sanitizer. Its a spray, but turns into a foam, apparently this benzyl whatever doesnt come in a gel. I found it at Target. So now I have the wipes, so I can wipe down things if I want, and the little spray bottles for hands. Im assuming whatever kinds of sanitizer wipes or pumps they have on teh ship are the kind that kill the noro, but in case anyone wanted to get some of this stuff, this is what I found.

2nd post (after someone asked me where I had found the information)

Just going by a few things I read. The first is wikipedia, now I know anyone can edit that, but this article has some good cites and it says right in it that alcohol santizer gels are not very effective in combating Norovirus and the cite for that opinion is an article from the American Journal of infection control. Im not well versed enough to completely understand and debate it, but I did see several other links that specifically say benzylkonium chloride DOES kill noro, and most other things too, so I made the decision to go with that. Heres the link from wikipedia and a few others I found.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hand_sanitizer

This link shows that GoJo, the company that makes Purell has now come out with a new product that is effective against Noro, since previous alcohol based products were not. If regular purell killed noro, why the need to come out with something different?

http://www.handwashingforlife.com/ne...hand_sanitizer

The link below is admittedly a press release from a company who claims to make a product with benzylkonium chloride that DOES kill noro, but I would think they could not come right out and say that if it didnt really do it.

http://www.*****.org/10293424-alcoho...sed-brands.pdf

This link below seems to be a fairly unbiased study done, and I fully admit I dont understand ALL the science, but it does suggest that strictly alcohol based hand gels are not that effective against noro.

http://aem.asm.org/cgi/content/abstract/76/2/394

And lastly this link, again from a company that makes benzylkonium product, but it does cite actual studies. Alcohol based gels alone just dont seem to be effective enough in killing noro. Thats my opinion based on some pretty good research, not just internet sales sites.

http://www.log7tech.com/hand_sanit.php

I believe that the free hand sanitizers spray (that they give out free in the Publix pharmacy) contains this ingredient. I know for a fact that it does not contain alcohol, and for this reason I prefer my family using it. Just a thought......

 

[TravelinGal]

... but I did see several other links that specifically say benzylkonium chloride DOES kill noro, and most other things too, so I made the decision to go with that.

Products that have this include:

Target carries Scrub-A-Bubbles Germ Defens Foaming Hand Sanitizer for kids (and adults!) I saw this in the same area as the kids medicines (children's tylenol etc)

The exact same product is marketed for a wound cleanser They call it Boo Boo Care - buy whatever is priced best and use for both!


Bath and Body Works carries Anti-Bacterial Instant Hand Foam (kids line is fruity scents - also an "adult" line that is usually seasonal - like cinnamon for winter -- both products are the same just different scents)
Actually - when looking for an image didn't see any of the kid's scents so I don't know if they still have them. The current line is called Handi-Bac Foaming Sanitizer

I've used these for a few years now and really like them. I ALWAYS have a bottle of one of these products in my purse.

 

[nails62040]

Thanks for searching the information and letting us know. I hate to be a germaphobe, but I had no idea the things I had purchased would not kill the norovirus - so thanks for info! Went out today and repurchased the other things.

 

[blkim]

You're welcome, Im not normally a germphobe at ALL, quite the opposite, Im the mom that let my kid lick the shopping cart handle because, hey, they're gonna get sick no matter what you do, so why stress? Im only in germ mode this time because its a FOUR day cruise, for us a likely once in a lifetime thing. I dont want it wrecked by something I can at least TRY to prevent. No guarantees of course, but if I can reduce a little of the risk, why not.

 

[Hanover]

I just picked up some HandiBac from Bath & Body Works tonight. It was 2 for $5 for the 1.7 fl oz/50mL bottles. I purchased nectarine mint, fresh lemon, white citrus, and moonlight path. They had a few other scents too.

I had a coupon I got through an email for a free full size antibacterial soap valued up to $5 with a $10 purchase I was also able to use.

 

[Billinaz]

This should make it easier to get something you can use for disinfectant. Its a chart with several products that kill norovirus

http://www.unimed-midwest.com/Disinfectants/Pages/disinfectantschart.html#CaviCide_Envirocide


I also found that Alpet d2 is an alcohol based disinfectant that is effective against novirus:

http://foodconsumer.org/7777/8888/F..._E_P_A_Efficacy_Claim_Against_Norovirus.shtml

https://newsurvivalkits.com/uploads/AlpetD2_TechSheet_NOROVIRUS.pdf



Here is a quote from a medical study:

Virologists have yet to grow Norovirus in the laboratory, and that means they lack a test to show whether a disinfectant has killed it. That is fairly common in the virus world and the same occurs with Hepatitis B Virus. To overcome such difficulties virologists use what they call surrogate viruses or the ‘next best thing’. For human Hepatitis B Virus they use Duck Hepatitis B Virus, and for Norovirus they use Feline Calici Virus, one of the cat ‘flu viruses. Therefore any supplier of a disinfectant intended to be used against Norovirus must provide laboratory evidence that their product is effective against Feline Calici Virus, or FCV.

 

[blkim]

This should make it easier to get something you can use for disinfectant. Its a chart with several products that kill norovirus

http://www.unimed-midwest.com/Disinfectants/Pages/disinfectantschart.html#CaviCide_Envirocide


I also found that Alpet d2 is an alcohol based disinfectant that is effective against novirus:

http://foodconsumer.org/7777/8888/F..._E_P_A_Efficacy_Claim_Against_Norovirus.shtml

https://newsurvivalkits.com/uploads/AlpetD2_TechSheet_NOROVIRUS.pdf



Here is a quote from a medical study:

Virologists have yet to grow Norovirus in the laboratory, and that means they lack a test to show whether a disinfectant has killed it. That is fairly common in the virus world and the same occurs with Hepatitis B Virus. To overcome such difficulties virologists use what they call surrogate viruses or the ‘next best thing’. For human Hepatitis B Virus they use Duck Hepatitis B Virus, and for Norovirus they use Feline Calici Virus, one of the cat ‘flu viruses. Therefore any supplier of a disinfectant intended to be used against Norovirus must provide laboratory evidence that their product is effective against Feline Calici Virus, or FCV.

This is a very good point, Id read that but couldnt figure a way to coherently explain it. thanks!

 

[myneverland]

Seems like Alpet D2 is only sold in large wholesale quantities. Has anyone found it in a smaller quantity and/or at a more reasonable price?

 

[Billinaz]

I found it at a few places, but some of them surprised me (with their main business that is)

http://morebeer.com/view_product/16034//Alpet_D2_Surface_Sanitizer_-_Quart_Spray_Bottle

http://www.macgill.com/item_detail.aspx?ItemCode=10003

http://morewinepro.com/view_product/16034/100511/Alpet_D2_Surface_Sanitizer_-_Quart_Spray_Bottle



This is the only place I found that sold the 4 ounce size individually:

http://shop.hcanusa.com/category.sc?categoryId=9

And here is a freebie 4 ounce sample:

http://www.bestsanitizers.com/

 

[KSandbergFL]

oh great, we are in 6321 on Thursday the 21st.

fore-warned is fore-armed. thanks

just got back from the Jan 21-24 3-nt Wonder cruise. Everything appeared "as normal", all the buffets were open and everything. Our stay in room 6321 was uneventful, although there was a strong "new carpet smell". We had a great cruise, didn't hear about any problems at all.

 

[madcoco]

Great to hear everything worked out and you had a great time!

 

[disney1990]

The CDC says all you need is an alcohol based product.

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/pub/norovirus/Norovirus.htm

 

[Minniemiss]

The CDC says all you need is an alcohol based product.

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/pub/norovirus/Norovirus.htm

Along with handwshing,

How to prevent getting and spreading noroviruses

•Wash hands often. Wash hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before eating or preparing food. Wash hands more often when someone in your home is sick. For hand washing tips, click on the following link: www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/pub/Handwashing/HandwashingTips.htm
•Avoid shaking hands during outbreaks.
•Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer along with handwashing.

 

[Billinaz]

The disgusting part is the people who come out of the bathroom without washing their hands. Not only do we have people who don't believe in washing their hands after wiping their hind quarters, we have people from other parts of the world that are simply not that hygenic.

I wont even touch the door handle, I use a paper towel and try to make it into the garbage can from the doorway as I leave.

 

[Chloe's mom]

I'm so thankful that I read this post before we went on our 3 night Wonder cruise Jan 21-24. Just got back home this afternoon and nobody is sick! And yes, we were on the 6th floor....
I bought a can of Lysol and sprayed down everything in the room immediately upon entering. I also made sure our 6 year old daughter washed and washed her hands several times a day and as of now..... we're in the clear. Thanks DISers for the tips. I'm sure I wouldn't have been this over the top cautious had it not been for you guys, and we could possibly have gotten the "bug" as a result.

 

[inkkognito]

We sail next Sunday (on deck 5 as usual) and I was getting a little nervous so I'm glad it sounds like things are getting back to normal. It's such a pain when they have to serve each person individually on the buffet and I'm not sure how much that really helps since there are so many other opportunities to get infected. I had a bout of food poisoning two weeks ago so I've had enough of that sort of thing to last me a long, long time.