Another Cruise Ship Virus - Maybe

If you’re a fan of cruises, you might have heard of the norovirus or maybe even been sickened by one. Even though infections usually clear in one to three days, that’s enough to ruin a trip. And the virus can cause serious illness in places such as nursing homes where the people are more vulnerable. 

Now scientists are testing a new vaccine that could protect people from this stomach ailment. Noroviruses are sometimes called stomach flu even though they’re unrelated to influenza. They’re the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea and foodborne illness. People can spread the virus before symptoms start and continue to spread it days after.  Touching someone infected or something they used, even if it’s a handrail two weeks later, can get you infected.  

The new vaccine is a tablet called VXA-G1.1-NN and delivers a non-replicating virus that triggers the immune system to respond. They tested the vaccine on two groups of healthy older adults in their 50s to 60s and another group in their 60s to 80s. Some received the vaccine and others a placebo. They found that regardless of the dose, the vaccine triggered a robust immune response in the oral cavity and gut that remained strong for more than 200 days. People also tolerated the vaccine well. 

Now, a phase two clinical trial is testing a version that targets two types of noroviruses. Imagine being able to pop a pill before getting on a cruise and not having to worry about getting sick.