What Does VSP Look for When Monitoring GI Illness Reports?
VSP provides assistance to cruise ships when the number of ill passengers or crew members has reached 2% or more of the total number of passengers or crew members or when an unusual GI illness pattern or characteristic is found. VSP monitors and evaluates GI illnesses aboard ships to determine the cause of the outbreaks and to make recommendations for control. To accomplish this, VSP officials do the following • Review the magnitude of GI illnesses among passengers and crew. • Monitor distribution of GI illnesses among both passengers and crew members. • Assist in the assessment of changes in sanitation practices, in infectious agents, and in types of diseases. • Evaluate the effectiveness of prevention and control strategies. • Provide lab support to confirm the cause of the illness. Top of Page What Is a Reportable Case of GI Illness? A reportable case of GI illness is three or more loose stools within a 24-hour time period, or vomiting along with one of the following symptoms: muscl
