A popular hiking trail in Hawaii has been temporarily closed after dozens of hikers contracted the highly contagious norovirus.
The Kalalau Trail, located on the island of Kauai in Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, is popular with discerning hikers and campers with 22 miles of loop trails with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and vibrant island foliage.
On Wednesday, September 4, the Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that the trail was officially closed after “numerous campers” in the area contracted norovirus — a fast-spreading disease that causes uncontrollable vomiting and diarrhea.
The DOH later announced on Wednesday, September 11 that the Kalalau Trail will be closed until at least September 19. They also launched a survey to get a more accurate number of infected hikers and determine which areas and activities led people to become ill.
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Kalalau Trail on the island of Kauai, Hawaii.
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One hiker recalled her experience with norovirus while camping on the trail with her friends during an interview with The Washington Post on Tuesday 17.09.
Danielle Burr, 32, said of the course that the course is “one of the most beautiful places in the world. I feel really lucky to be there, and I appreciate and respect that country.” The seasoned hiker later added that it was “a hiker’s dream. It’s such a special and peaceful place.”
However, members of her eight-person group suddenly began exhibiting “violent gastrointestinal symptoms” during the trip in late August, and eventually she did too.
“My insides exploding all over that country is not what I wanted to do at all,” she said, noting that she ended up telling her boyfriend that she needed to be taken to the hospital. A helicopter came to rescue her and she was later flown to Wilcox Medical Center in Kauai.
“I couldn’t physically walk that path to get out,” Burr explained. “And I spread the virus everywhere, as if I were a public health risk.”
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At least 50 people have contracted the virus, the agency reports, and Burr says that number could have been avoided if the camps had cleaner toilets on site.
“There was a period of time when people still hiked and got sick. This could have been prevented – she says.
The number of infected hikers could rise after the DOH analyzes the results of each survey. The park has since announced that it is taking serious measures to disinfect every restroom and test water and environmental samples taken from the site.
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Norovirus spreads quickly and in nasty ways, PEOPLE reported in February.
According to the CDC, “you can get norovirus if you accidentally get small particles of feces (poop) or vomited contents in your mouth from a person infected with norovirus” and if you are exposed to any contaminated water or food.
Infected people can start showing symptoms as early as 12 hours after exposure, but most symptoms can disappear on their own after a few days. The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds instead of using hand sanitizer to avoid contracting the virus.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education