The health department in TN has received an increase in reports of AT hikers with gastroenteritis (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea), sometimes called stomach flu, between Erwin and Hampton, TN. It is likely caused by Norovirus, which is known to cause outbreaks on cruise ships and summer camps. Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people and on infected surfaces that have been touched by ill people. Outbreaks occur more often where there are more people in a small area, such cruise ships (and AT hostels/shelters).
How noroviruses are spread
People can become infected with the virus by:
- Eating food or drinking liquids infected with noroviruses
- Touching surfaces or objects infected with noroviruses and then touching own mouth, nose, or eyes
- Having person-to-person contact (with a norovirus-infected person) by
- being present while someone is vomiting
- sharing food or eating from the same utensils
- caring for a sick person
- shaking hands
- Not washing hands after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food.
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, becoming dehydrated if lost liquids are not replaced. Most people recover within 1 or 2 days and have no long-term adverse health effects.
What to do if you get norovirus
Drink plenty of fluids. Wash hands often.
How to prevent getting and spreading noroviruses
- Wash hands often. Wash hands 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 (fist bump may be safer).
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer along with handwashing or if facilities for handwashing are unavailable.