Carnival Cruise Lines blamed for man's fatal virus

By Carol Kennedy

Published on April 27, 2006

Jonathan Kallas, 21, first became ill while on a cruise trip aboard the Carnival Miracle in January 2005. His mother and wife subsequently became sick and all three tested positive for the norovirus. After returning from the trip, Kallas continued to complain of fatigue. On Feb. 1, 2005, Julie Kallas found her husband dead in their home. According to the Oakland County medical examiner's office, Mr. Kallas died as a result of complications associated with the norovirus.

The Kallas family alleges that Mr. Kallas caught the virus from contaminated food served on board the cruise ship.

Kallas' mother, Diane Kallas, stated that her son was in great physical condition, did not smoke, and had a good medical history.

Jennifer de la Cruz, a Carnival Cruise spokesperson, stated that the company had good inspection scores from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She further stated that the ship has never had a report of norovirus during the two years it has been in service.

Ken Hardin, the attorney for the Kallas family, said that the company's statements were "abhorrent" and "offensive."

The only way to contract the norovirus is from the feces of an infected person.

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