SYDNEY, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- About 200 passengers aboard an Australian cruise ship had their holidays spoiled by a highly contagious virus.
The 1,500 passengers aboard P&O's Pacific Sky arrived back in Sydney Saturday after a 12-day Pacific island cruise and crews immediately began disinfecting the ship, the Sunday Telegraph reported.
Many of the victims were still suffering nausea, vomiting and diarrhea as they arrived home, the newspaper said.
Doctors suspected the gastro-intestinal bug norovirus, also known as Norwalk virus, made its way through the passengers. Tests were under way to confirm the diagnosis.
The ship notified Sydney public health officials of the outbreak on Wednesday and stopped serving buffet-style meals to try and stem the spread of the virus, officials said.
The virus, which lasts two to three days, is rarely fatal.
