Dozens of California Hikers Get Mysteriously Sick With Norovirus
Summary
Dozens of hikers on California’s Pacific Crest Trail became sick with norovirus, a contagious stomach virus, in early May. The outbreak likely spread through a shared water source near Wrightwood, California, and led to medical treatment for several people, including one air rescue.Key Facts
- The norovirus outbreak started around May 8 along the Pacific Crest Trail near Wrightwood, California.
- About two dozen hikers reported symptoms; at least seven cases were confirmed by doctors.
- One hiker became so ill that an air rescue was needed.
- The likely source of the virus is a shared water cache in the Swarthout Valley area.
- Norovirus spreads through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and close contact with infected people.
- The virus causes symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain, usually lasting 1 to 3 days.
- Norovirus is hard to control because hand sanitizer does not kill it well; washing with soap and water is best.
- The CDC says norovirus is the leading cause of stomach illnesses in the U.S., causing millions of illnesses and hundreds of deaths yearly.
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