Sickness reported on ships

FOUR cruises leaving Southern California ports were struck with outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness last month, the largest outbreak in more than a year.

Norovirus, which causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fevers and aches and generally lasts a couple of days, was confirmed aboard Princess Cruises’ Island Princess, Holland America’s Amsterdam and one sailing of Celebrity Cruises’ Mercury. The cause of a GI outbreak on another Mercury cruise later in March has not yet been determined, said Lisa Beaumier, a public health analyst with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.

In March, Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas, leaving Tampa, Fla., had a norovirus outbreak and Holland America’s Volendam, which departed from Port Everglades, Fla., had a GI illness outbreak, but it is not yet known whether norovirus is to blame.

The illness hasn’t affected this many ships since January 2005, says Beaumier, when seven sailings of six ships were affected.

The resurgence of the virus may be a reflection of what’s happening on land. “We’re seeing more norovirus in the general population, so whenever we see that, there will be more norovirus on cruise ships,” Beaumier said.

Kathleen Doheny

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Da Vinci still a hot ticket

ON the heels of the U.S. paperback release of Dan Brown’s bestseller “The Da Vinci Code” -- also due for movie release next month -- Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry is opening a sprawling exhibit about the Renaissance man.

“Leonardo da Vinci: Man, Inventor, Genius” presents more than 60 models, crafted by contemporary Italian artisans, of Da Vinci’s designs, including a hang glider, a military tank and an underwater breathing device.

As for the “The Da Vinci Code” novel, which attributes cryptic messages and other puzzles to Da Vinci, “we debunk it for the most part,” said John Beckman, the museum’s manager of temporary exhibits and events.

The exhibit runs Friday to Sept. 4. Timed tickets, which include museum admission, are $21 for adults and $15 for ages 3 to 11. Info: (773) 684-1414, www.msichicago.org.

Jane Engle

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Avoid crowds in Turkey

SHORTLY after the State Department warned Americans that ongoing violence in southeastern Turkey could spread to Istanbul and other tourist centers, three people were killed fleeing a bus set afire by Kurdish protesters in Istanbul.

In its public announcement March 31, the State Department advised Americans “to avoid travel to southeastern Turkey” and stay away from “areas where crowds are expected to gather.”

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More flights to Mexico

AEROMEXICO last week began new flights from Ontario International Airport to Aguascaliente, Morelia and Leon/El Bajio in Mexico. Introductory rates start at $199 round trip. The special fares are based on availability and may be available through June 30 and from Aug. 21 to Dec. 14. (800) 237-6639, www.aeromexico.com/usa.

-- Compiled by Vani Rangachar