Sick People on Cruise Ships

Jul 3, 2026, 14:36
CanadaHealth
A2

Sick People on Cruise Ships

郵輪上的病患情況

Introduction

The CDC says many people are sick on some cruise ships. A ship called the Ruby Princess has this problem now.

CDC 表示部分郵輪上有許多人染病，目前一艘名為 Ruby Princess 的郵輪正遭遇此問題。

Main Body

The Ruby Princess went to Canada and Alaska. 102 passengers and 23 workers got sick. The ship is very big. The crew cleaned the ship a lot to stop the virus.

Ruby Princess 前往了加拿大與阿拉斯加。共有 102 名乘客與 23 名員工染病。這艘船體積很大。船員們對船隻進行了大量清潔以阻止病毒傳播。

Other ships have this problem too. Seven ships had this virus this year. Three ships from Princess Cruises were sick. Other ships like the Queen Mary 2 also had sick people.

其他船隻也面臨同樣問題。今年共有七艘船發現此病毒。Princess Cruises 有三艘船出現病患。其他如 Queen Mary 2 等船隻也同樣有病人。

This virus moves fast because people stay close together. You get sick from dirty hands, food, or water. You feel sick to your stomach. Old people and children can get very sick.

由於人們聚集在一起，這種病毒傳播速度很快。您可能會透過髒手、食物或水而染病。您會感到胃部不適。年長者與兒童可能會病得更嚴重。

Wash your hands with soap and water. This is the best way to stay healthy. Hand sanitizer does not work well for this virus.

請使用肥皂和水洗手。這是保持健康最好的方法。對此病毒而言，洗手液的效果並不理想。

Conclusion

The Ruby Princess is now clean. The ship is in San Francisco.

Ruby Princess 現在已經清潔完畢。該船目前位於舊金山。

Vocabulary Learning

🧼 The 'Action' Words

In this story, we see words that describe doing things. To reach A2, you need to notice how these words change when we talk about the past.

The Change:

  • Go (Now) →\rightarrow Went (Past)
  • Get (Now) →\rightarrow Got (Past)

Example from text: "The Ruby Princess went to Canada." (It happened already). "102 passengers got sick." (It happened already).

📦 Using 'This' and 'That'

We use This for things close to us or the main topic we are talking about right now.

  • This problem →\rightarrow The sickness on the ship.
  • This virus →\rightarrow The specific germ causing the illness.
  • This way →\rightarrow Washing hands with soap.

⚠️ Warning Words

Look at how the text tells us what is not good:

  • Does not work well →\rightarrow Use this when something is a bad choice (like hand sanitizer for this specific virus).

Vocabulary Learning

passengers (n.)
People who travel on a ship, plane, or train
Example:The passengers are happy to see the land.
crew (n.)
The group of people who work on a ship or plane
Example:The crew helps the passengers on the ship.
virus (n.)
A very small thing that makes people sick
Example:The virus spreads quickly in a crowded room.
sanitizer (n.)
A liquid used to kill germs on your hands
Example:I use hand sanitizer when I cannot find soap.
healthy (adj.)
Having a strong and well body
Example:Eating fruit helps you stay healthy.
B2

Report on Norovirus Outbreaks Across Several Cruise Ships

關於多艘郵輪爆發諾羅病毒的報告

Introduction

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a series of norovirus outbreaks on several cruise ships, including a recent case on the Ruby Princess.

美國疾病控制與預防中心 (CDC) 報告指出，數艘郵輪發生了一系列諾羅病毒爆發，包括最近在 Ruby Princess 號上的案例。

Main Body

The Ruby Princess traveled from San Francisco to Canada and Alaska between June 12 and July 2. During this trip, 102 passengers and 23 crew members became infected. Because the ship carries over 4,000 people in total, the company had to use stronger cleaning methods. Furthermore, the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) provided remote guidance and advice on how to disinfect the ship to stop the virus from spreading.

Ruby Princess 號在 6 月 12 日至 7 月 2 日期間，從三藩市航行至加拿大與阿拉斯加。在這次航程中，有 102 名乘客與 23 名船員被感染。由於該船總共搭載超過 4,000 人，公司必須採取更強力的清潔措施。此外，船舶衛生計劃 (VSP) 提供了遠端指導與建議，說明如何對船隻進行消毒以阻止病毒傳播。

This event is part of a larger trend of stomach virus outbreaks. So far this year, seven such events have been recorded by the CDC. Princess Cruises has been hit three times: the Ruby Princess, the Caribbean Princess in April, and the Star Princess in March. Additionally, the National Geographic Sea Bird had two outbreaks in May and June, while the Queen Mary 2 reported 241 infections in April 2025.

此次事件是胃腸病毒爆發大趨勢的一部分。今年迄今，CDC 已記錄到七次此類事件。Princess Cruises 已受到三次影響：分別是 Ruby Princess 號、4 月的 Caribbean Princess 號，以及 3 月的 Star Princess 號。此外，National Geographic Sea Bird 號在 5 月和 6 月有兩次爆發，而 Queen Mary 2 號則在 2025 年 4 月報告有 241 例感染。

Norovirus is very contagious, especially in crowded places like cruise ships. It spreads through contaminated surfaces, food, water, or direct contact between people. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While the illness usually lasts a short time, it is more dangerous for children, elderly people, and those with other health problems. Consequently, the CDC emphasizes that washing hands with soap and water is the best prevention, as alcohol-based sanitizers do not work well against this virus.

諾羅病毒傳染力極強，尤其是在郵輪等擁擠的場所。它透過受污染的表面、食物、水或人與人之間的直接接觸傳播。常見症狀包括噁心、嘔吐與腹瀉。雖然病程通常較短，但對於兒童、長者及患有其他健康問題的人來說較為危險。因此，CDC 強調使用肥皂和水洗手是最有效的預防方式，因為酒精類消毒劑對此病毒的效果不佳。

Conclusion

After isolating the sick passengers, the Ruby Princess underwent a complete disinfection process in San Francisco.

在將感染乘客隔離後，Ruby Princess 號在三藩市進行了全面的消毒程序。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 The 'Connector' Leap: Moving from A2 to B2

At the A2 level, we often use simple words like and, but, or so to connect our ideas. To reach B2, you need to use Logical Connectors. These words act like bridges, telling the reader exactly how two ideas relate to each other.

Look at these specific transitions from the report:

🛠️ The 'Adding' Bridge

Instead of just saying "and" or "also", the text uses:

  • Furthermore →\rightarrow "Furthermore, the Vessel Sanitation Program..."
  • Additionally →\rightarrow "Additionally, the National Geographic Sea Bird..."

Why use this? It makes your writing sound professional and organized. Use these at the start of a sentence to introduce a new, supporting point.

⚙️ The 'Result' Bridge

Instead of using "so", the text uses:

  • Consequently →\rightarrow "Consequently, the CDC emphasizes..."

The B2 Logic: While "so" is great for speaking, "consequently" shows a direct cause-and-effect relationship in a formal way. It tells the reader: "Because X happened, Y is the inevitable result."

💡 Pro Tip for your Transition

Try this mental shift:

  • A2 Style: The ship was crowded, so people got sick.
  • B2 Style: The ship was crowded; consequently, the virus spread rapidly.

By swapping a simple 'so' for 'consequently' or 'furthermore', you immediately shift your tone from 'basic student' to 'competent speaker'.

Vocabulary Learning

outbreak (n.)
A sudden start of a disease or an unwelcome situation
Example:The health department is working hard to contain the flu outbreak in the city.
disinfect (v.)
To clean something using chemicals to kill bacteria and viruses
Example:You should disinfect the kitchen counters after preparing raw meat.
contagious (adj.)
A disease that can be spread from one person to another by direct or indirect contact
Example:The doctor advised the student to stay home because the virus is highly contagious.
contaminated (adj.)
Made impure or poisonous by adding a harmful substance
Example:The city warned residents not to drink the water because it had been contaminated.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened
Example:The company failed to update its security system; consequently, the data was stolen.
emphasize (v.)
To give special importance or attention to something in speaking or writing
Example:The teacher wanted to emphasize the importance of reviewing the notes before the exam.
isolating (v.)
The act of separating someone or something from others to prevent the spread of infection
Example:The hospital is isolating the patient to ensure other people do not get sick.
C2

Analysis of Norovirus Proliferation Across Multiple Cruise Vessels Under CDC Jurisdiction

CDC 管轄下多艘郵輪諾羅病毒爆發分析

Introduction

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented a series of norovirus outbreaks on several cruise ships, including a recent occurrence aboard the Ruby Princess.

美國疾病控制與預防中心（CDC）記錄了數次在多艘郵輪上爆發諾羅病毒的情況，包括最近在 Ruby Princess 號上發生的案例。

Main Body

The Ruby Princess, operating a voyage from San Francisco to Canada and Alaska between June 12 and July 2, reported 102 passenger and 23 crew member infections. Given the vessel's capacity of 3,032 passengers and 1,144 crew, the incident necessitated the implementation of enhanced sanitation protocols. The Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) provided remote oversight and consultation regarding disinfection procedures to mitigate further transmission.

Ruby Princess 號在 6 月 12 日至 7 月 2 日期間執行從三藩市前往加拿大與阿拉斯加的航程，報告有 102 名乘客與 23 名船員感染。鑑於該船可容納 3,032 名乘客與 1,144 名船員，此次事件必須實施強化的衛生協定。船舶衛生計畫（VSP）提供了遠端監督與消毒程序的諮詢，以減輕進一步傳播的風險。

This incident is situated within a broader pattern of gastrointestinal outbreaks. Within the current calendar year, seven such events have been recorded under CDC jurisdiction. Princess Cruises has experienced three distinct outbreaks: the Ruby Princess, the Caribbean Princess (affecting 102 passengers and 13 crew in April), and the Star Princess (affecting 141 passengers and 52 crew in March). Additionally, the National Geographic Sea Bird reported two outbreaks in May and June, while the Queen Mary 2 recorded 241 infections in April 2025.

此次事件屬於更廣泛的腸胃道爆發模式。在本曆年內，CDC 管轄下已記錄了七次此類事件。公主遊輪（Princess Cruises）經歷了三次不同的爆發：Ruby Princess 號、加勒比公主號（Caribbean Princess，4 月影響 102 名乘客與 13 名船員）以及星級公主號（Star Princess，3 月影響 141 名乘客與 52 名船員）。此外，National Geographic Sea Bird 號在 5 月與 6 月報告了兩次爆發，而瑪麗 2 號（Queen Mary 2）在 2025 年 4 月記錄了 241 宗感染個案。

Pathologically, norovirus is characterized by high contagiousness, facilitated by the close proximity of individuals in maritime environments. Transmission occurs via contaminated surfaces, food, water, or direct human contact. Clinical manifestations include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While typically transient, the virus poses an elevated risk to pediatric populations, geriatric individuals, and those with comorbid health conditions. The CDC emphasizes that soap-and-water handwashing is the primary preventative measure, as alcohol-based sanitizers exhibit limited efficacy against this specific pathogen.

在病理學上，諾羅病毒的特徵是具有高度傳染性，且海上環境中人員近距離接觸加速了傳播。傳播途徑包括受污染的表面、食物、水或人與人直接接觸。臨床表現包括噁心、嘔吐與腹瀉。雖然通常為暫時性，但該病毒對兒童、老年人及患有共病的人群構成較高風險。CDC 強調，用肥皂和水洗手是主要的預防措施，因為酒精類消毒劑對此特定病原體的效能有限。

Conclusion

The Ruby Princess has undergone comprehensive disinfection in San Francisco following the isolation of infected individuals.

Ruby Princess 號在將感染者隔離後，已在三藩市完成了全面消毒。

Vocabulary Learning

The Architecture of 'Clinical Detachment' 🩺

To move from B2 to C2, a student must stop simply using "complex words" and start mastering Register Fluidity. The provided text is a masterclass in medical-administrative prose—a style that prioritizes objectivity, precision, and a deliberate emotional void to project authority.

⚡ The C2 Pivot: Nominalization & Agent Deletion

Notice how the text avoids active, human-centric verbs. Instead of saying "The CDC saw a pattern," the author writes:

*"This incident is situated within a broader pattern..."

The Linguistic Mechanism: By using the passive voice ("is situated") and turning actions into nouns ("proliferation," "implementation," "transmission"), the writer removes the "human" element. At C2, you must recognize that this isn't just "formal English"; it is a strategic tool used in scientific and legal discourse to create an aura of impartiality.

🧩 Lexical Precision vs. Generalization

A B2 student describes people as "old people" or "children." A C2 practitioner employs Categorical Taxonomy:

  • Pediatric populations (instead of children)
  • Geriatric individuals (instead of elderly)
  • Comorbid health conditions (instead of other illnesses)

Why this matters: C2 mastery is not about the difficulty of the word, but the specificity of the domain. Using "populations" and "individuals" transforms a description into a demographic analysis.

🔍 Syntactic Compression

Observe the density of information in this phrase:

"...alcohol-based sanitizers exhibit limited efficacy against this specific pathogen."

Breakdown for the C2 Aspirant:

  • Exhibit →\rightarrow replaces "have" or "show" (Higher register)
  • Limited efficacy →\rightarrow replaces "don't work well" (Precise technicality)
  • Pathogen →\rightarrow replaces "germ" or "virus" (Biological specificity)

Scholarly Takeaway: To emulate this, cease focusing on who is doing the action. Focus on the phenomenon itself. Shift your focus from Narrative →\rightarrow Analytical.

Vocabulary Learning

proliferation (n.)
The rapid increase in the number or amount of something, especially a cell, organism, or virus.
Example:The proliferation of the virus was accelerated by the crowded conditions on the cruise ship.
necessitated (v.)
Made something necessary as a result of a particular situation.
Example:The sudden spike in infections necessitated the immediate implementation of strict quarantine measures.
mitigate (v.)
To make something bad less severe, serious, or painful.
Example:The crew used industrial-grade disinfectants to mitigate the risk of further transmission.
jurisdiction (n.)
The official power to make legal decisions and judgments or the extent of that power.
Example:The cruise ship's health protocols fell under the jurisdiction of the CDC during the outbreak.
manifestations (n.)
The outward signs or symptoms of a disease or condition.
Example:The primary clinical manifestations of norovirus include acute nausea and vomiting.
transient (adj.)
Lasting only for a short time; impermanent.
Example:Although the symptoms are distressing, the illness is typically transient and resolves within a few days.
comorbid (adj.)
Referring to the simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions in a patient.
Example:Patients with comorbid health conditions, such as diabetes, are at a higher risk of dehydration.
efficacy (n.)
The ability to produce a desired or intended result; effectiveness.
Example:Studies have shown that alcohol-based sanitizers have limited efficacy against non-enveloped viruses.
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