Illness on the High Seas

This chapter outlines the management of a Clostridium difficile (C. diff) outbreak on a cruise ship, focusing on the early identification and triage of affected passengers, resource allocation, and the coordination of care in a resource-limited setting. The scenario reviews communication strategy within the ship’s command structure, planning for the transportation of severely affected individuals to onshore facilities, contact precautions, and quarantine. It provides a comprehensive approach to handling infectious disease outbreaks in isolated environments.