Although norovirus-ridden cruise ship journeys attract the lion’s share of media coverage, only around 1% of outbreaks take place at sea, according to the latest report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The stats back up claims of cruise industry advocates that even major outbreaks such as a January cruise on the Explorer of the Seas which sickened almost 700 people, is a drop in the ocean when compared nationwide.
CDC officials say people are more likely to be struck down with the highly contagious bug at a neighborhood restaurant.
Out of 520 outbreaks where the cause of the virus was known, food service workers were responsible in 70% of cases.
CDC officials called for more robust hand hygiene rules and better paid sick leave procedures for workers involved in food preparation.
The preparation of raw food was the source of the problem in three-quarters of cases where a known cause was identified.
"Restaurant managers have a duty to make sure workers follow food handling rules and put sick leave policies in place that let workers stay home for two days after symptoms subside," said CDC Director Tom Frieden.
The CDC said a total of 1,008 outbreaks occurred in 43 states between 2009 and 2012.
