Despite PCT hikers fear, County Health confirms no norovirus outbreak 

Earlier this month, some Pacific Crest Trail hikers were concerned about
the possibility of norovirus infecting other hikers going north. While
some posted their fears on Facebook, others contacted the Town Crier.
One wrote that the outbreak was between Idyllwild and Big Bear Lake. 

No evidence of a norovirus outbreak in Riverside County or locally has
been identified. 

“Public Health has not had any confirmations of norovirus in Riverside
County,” wrote Janet Zimmerman, Director of Marketing & Public Relations
for the Riverside University Health System.  

Further, Suzanne Avalon, owner and editor of the Town Crier, spoke to
the local medical clinics, “They reported no patients coming in with
norovirus symptoms. The pharmacy said no one came in needing any
medication for norovirus symptoms, but that they had a number of hikers
ask for the tablets that purify water.” 

Idyllwild Fire Chief Mark LaMont also confirmed that the Fire Department
had not received any call increase due to norovirus. 

Last September, about 25 hikers in the State of Washington reported
acute gastroenteritis. By the end of the month, there were sufficient
reports of illness that the samples were taken from two hikers.   

In early October, more samples were taken at a cabin available as a rest
stop, the nearby ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines, and a stream
used for drinking water. 

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued these
conclusions after the testing and analysis. “Norovirus was not detected
in any samples. No culture-based fecal indicators, E. coli, or
human-specific fecal contamination were detected in any water source.
All surface swabs inside the cabin and pit latrines tested positive for
human-specific fecal contamination. Despite absence of detection of
norovirus from environmental sampling, symptom profiles . . . all
supported the conclusion that the outbreak was primarily caused by
norovirus, and that exposure to contaminated surfaces within the cabin
and VIP latrines likely amplified transmission.” 

In the Spring of 2022, there was also an outbreak among rafters and
backpackers in the backcountry of Grand Canyon National Park. 

While these outbreaks may have occurred far from Idyllwild, County
health officials did want to remind residents that summer is a time to
be aware of and take protection from norovirus, especially when hiking
and camping. 

Norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea, can easily spread from
infected people to others on camping and river rafting trips where
thorough hand washing is difficult and clean water supplies can be
limited. 

RUHS provided the following tips to prevent infection and protect your
health: 

Wash hands frequently with biodegradable soap at least 200 feet from
water sources. When soap is not available, use hand sanitizer that
contains 60-95% alcohol. Be aware that alcohol-based hand sanitizer may
be ineffective against norovirus. 

Boil or chemically treat water if you are worried about norovirus. Most
filters do not remove viruses but can be used effectively in combination
with chemical disinfection against a broad range of pathogens. 

Avoid sharing food. Do not eat out of the same food bag, share utensils
or drink from other hikers’ water bottles. 

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 

If you become sick with norovirus, drink plenty of fluids and wash your
hands often. Seek medical treatment, especially if you become dehydrated
or the illness lasts more than a few days. Avoid contaminating common
areas and surfaces. Stay home or away from others for two days after
symptoms stop.  

If you are on the trail, make sure that you are disposing of your waste
properly.