Doctor Reveals Disturbing Reason to Avoid Cruises ‘Anytime Soon’
A recent warning from Dr. Rubin, a pediatrician and immunologist, has prompted travelers to reconsider cruise vacations. In a viral TikTok video, Dr. Rubin expressed concerns about the increased health risks on cruise ships due to reduced oversight.UNILAD+2YouTube+2The Daily Dot+2UNILAD
Dr. Rubin highlighted that recent budget cuts have led to the downsizing of the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, which previously conducted regular health inspections on cruise ships. These inspections were crucial in identifying and mitigating potential health hazards onboard. With fewer inspections, there’s a heightened risk of undetected outbreaks.UNILAD
Supporting Dr. Rubin’s concerns, the CDC reported that 2024 witnessed a record number of gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on U.S. cruise ships, with 16 incidents and nearly 900 cases. Notably, the Coral Princess experienced two significant norovirus outbreaks within a few months, affecting both passengers and crew members.UNILAD+2VT+2The Daily Dot+2UNILAD
Additionally, the CDC has identified cruise ships as potential hotspots for Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. Between 2022 and 2024, there were 12 reported cases linked to private hot tubs on cruise ships, with one vessel accounting for eight of these cases. The bacteria thrive in warm water environments, and inadequate maintenance can lead to outbreaks.ScienceAlert+1Yahoo+1
Dr. Rubin emphasized that the reduced inspections are not a cost-saving measure for taxpayers, as cruise lines fund these health checks. The cuts, therefore, compromise passenger safety without financial justification.UNILAD+1The Daily Dot+1
While cruising remains a popular vacation choice, potential travelers should be aware of these health risks and consider them when planning their trips.
