Over 200 passengers sickened with norovirus aboard luxury cruise ship

The outbreak of Norovirus aboard a luxury cruise ship has left over 224 passengers and 17 crew members, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The affected voyage was a luxury Cunard Line ship traveling from Southampton, England, through New York and the Caribbean, before returning to the United Kingdom, according to Cruisemapper.

The ship, the Queen of Kunard, is planned to travel on this route nearly a month after leaving on March 8 and will return on April 6.

The elevated foci of Norovirus was reported to the CDC on March 18, according to the agency.

In response to the hearth, the ship and the crew increased the cleaning and disinfection procedures, collecting stool samples for testing and isolated people who became ill, CDC said.

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea and is commonly called “gastric flu” or “gastric error”, according to CDC.

This is the leading cause of diseases carried by foods in the United States. Other symptoms may include stomach pain, fever, headache, body pain or dehydration, according to CDC.

The virus is also quite common, especially on ships. So far, there are 12 GI bursts on cruise ships, according to CDC.

According to the Federal Health Agency, the Norovirus causes between 19 and 21 million diseases, 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths each year.

One can become infected by having direct contact with someone who is infected and sharing food or utensils with them; touching surfaces or objects contaminated with noorovirus and then touching their face or mouth; or consumption of contaminated foods or liquids.

Usually the infected person will develop symptoms between 12 to 48 hours after infection. However, norovirus usually decides quickly and in most healthy adults lasts one to three days, according to CDC.

There are no specific drugs or antiviral for norovirus, which means that the only treatment is available is the management of symptoms.

CDC recommends that you remain hydrated and drink liquids that fill the electrolytes that can be exhausted by diarrhea and vomiting.

Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the best ways to prevent spread. To prevent contamination from food, make sure the fruits and vegetables are washed and that the mussels are cooked to at least an internal temperature of 145 F.

ABC News turned to Cunard Line for comment.