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CDC Eliminates Full-Time Cruise Ship Health Inspectors as Norovirus Cases Escalate

The Vessel Sanitation Program now operates with a reduced team, raising concerns about public health oversight during an unprecedented surge in outbreaks.

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The balcony views seen on board Princess Cruises’ new ship Sun Princess on Oct. 12 during a preview sailing out of Port Everglades. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)
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Overview

  • All full-time staff in the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program have been laid off as part of HHS cost-cutting measures under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
  • The program now relies on 12 U.S. Public Health Service officers, with only one epidemiologist, who is still in training, managing outbreak investigations.
  • The layoffs coincided with a record surge in norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships, with 12 incidents reported so far this year compared to 18 in all of 2024.
  • The decision to cut the program, funded by cruise ship fees rather than taxpayer dollars, has sparked criticism over its impact on public health safeguards.
  • HHS officials maintain that critical functions will continue, but former CDC leaders and experts warn the reduced workforce may struggle to sustain essential operations.