Vomiting and Diarrhea on the Trail: Western Maine

The health department in Maine has received reports of AT hikers with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (gastroenteritis) in the western Maine area, near the NH border. Illness reportedly lasts 24 hours. Although no laboratory specimens have been submitted by hikers this illness description is compatible with norovirus infection, which is known to be transmitted easily, especially in circumstances where hygienic practices are less than ideal. Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people and on surfaces that have been contaminated directly or touched by ill people. Outbreaks occur more often in settings where people share facilities (for sleeping, dining, showering and toileting), such as in trail camp settings.

How Noroviruses are spread
People can become infected with the virus by:

• Eating food or drinking liquids infected with noroviruses
• Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with noroviruses and then touching your own mouth, nose, or eyes
• Having close contact with infected persons, such as:-
  
  • Being present while someone is vomiting (throwing up)
  • Sharing food or utensils
  • Drinking water or liquids from the same cup/bottle
  • Caring for a sick person
  • Shaking hands

Norovirus infections are not usually serious
Noroviruses are highly contagious, but infections are not usually serious. People may feel very sick and vomit often or get diarrhea and become dehydrated. Most people recover within 1 or 2 days and have no long-term adverse health effects.

What to do if you become sick with norovirus

• Drink plenty of fluids if your vomiting is controlled
• Wash hands often with soap and water
• Limit contact with other individuals to avoid spreading the infection
• Handle contaminated waste and laundry carefully
• Wash and dry clothes at a high temperature setting if possible

How to prevent getting and spreading noroviruses

• Wash hands often, especially after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food. Wash hands more often when someone in your hostel/shelter is sick.
• Avoid shaking hands during outbreaks
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to supplement handwashing with soap and water or if facilities for handwashing are unavailable

For more information: www.mainepublichealth.gov or www.cdc.gov/norovirus