France Detains Cruise Ship After Stomach Flu Outbreak

French authorities have temporarily barred passengers from leaving the Ambition cruise ship in the port of Bordeaux after dozens of suspected gastroenteritis cases were identified on board.

The regional health authority said the precautionary measure would remain in place until test results had been evaluated. Authorities said there was no indication the incident was linked to a recent hantavirus outbreak on the Hondius, a separate cruise ship. French media also reported one passenger death, though no details have been disclosed.

The Ambition is operated by Ambassador Cruise Line, which said it had immediately introduced stricter hygiene and precautionary measures after the illness was confirmed. Around 1,700 people are on board.

Gastroenteritis is one of the most common infectious diseases on cruise ships, spreading rapidly through vomiting and diarrhea. In most cases it is not serious, though dehydration can pose a risk.

French authorities stressed that gastroenteritis differs significantly from hantavirus, which carries a higher mortality rate and is rarely transmitted between people in close contact.

(reuters, max)