We (TEHCC Trail Maintainers) recently had a partnership meeting with ATC (Southern Region) and local Forest Service. During the meeting ATC brought up the 2013 Norovirus outbreak. Between Hot Springs, NC and Erwin, TN (approximately) many hikers became very sick. Prior to the 2014 hiker season, I thought it would be a good idea to post some precautions/reminders/information about norovirus.
From ATC's website at Appalachiantrail.org:
This highly contagious virus causes your stomach and/or intestines to become inflamed, which leads to stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Norovirus is transmitted by contact with an infected person, contaminated food or water, or contaminated surfaces. The virus has a 12-48 hour incubation period and lasts 24-60 hours. Infected hikers may be contagious for 3 days to 2 weeks after recovery. Outbreaks occur more often where people share facilities for sleeping, dining, showering, and toileting; the virus can spread rapidly in crowded shelters and hostels; sanitation is key for avoiding and spreading norovirus. Take the following steps to prevent contracting and spreading the illness:
* Do not eat out of the same food bag (think trail mix), share utensils, or drink from other hikers’ water bottles.
* Wash your hands with biodegradable soap (200' from water sources) before eating or preparing food and after toileting.
* Be aware that alcohol-based hand sanitizer may be ineffective against norovirus.
* Treat water by boiling (rolling boil for 1 minute minimum), or by chemical disinfection with iodine, chlorine, or chlorine dioxide. Most filters do not remove viruses, but a combination of filtration and chemical disinfection is effective against a broad range of pathogens.
* Bury human waste 8’’ deep in soil and at least 200 feet away from natural water. Follow Leave No Trace guidelines for disposing of human waste.
* Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people and on surfaces that have been touched by ill people. Outbreaks are more likely in areas with multiple people in small spaces like shelters and hostels.
* Norovirus can stay on surfaces and objects and still infect people after days or weeks.
What to do if you get norovirus:
* Drink plenty of fluids and wash hands often
* Seek medical treatment if you become dehydrated or illness lasts more than a few days (norovirus usually last 1-3 days)
* Limit contact with others and avoid preparing food and drinks for others for 2-3 days after recovery
* Report outbreaks of any illness to the local health department
From Center for Disease Control's website:
The best way to help prevent norovirus is to practice proper hand washing and general cleanliness.
For more detailed information about norovirus, please visit CDC's website (there is alot of good info there).
I understand from Laurie Potteiger at ATC that they are having discussions with the CDC and state health departments now about additional steps to help prevent the spread of norovirus on the Trail. Check back for possible updates in the coming weeks.
Stay well out there next year!
See you on the trail,
mt squid