To stay healthy, it’s important to wash hands frequently with soap and water — this method works better than alcohol-based sanitizers — and to prepare drinking water by either boiling it for at least one minute or using a chemical disinfectant. Most filters do not remove viruses. In addition, it’s recommended to bury human waste in at least 8 inches of soil and 200 feet away from water, and avoid sharing personal items such as water bottles and utensils. 

Norovirus outbreaks have been reported among A.T. hikers the past several seasons as well. Symptoms generally occur within one or two days of exposure and commonly include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. 

Knowing when and where people first develop symptoms is also key in reducing the spread of norovirus. Report illnesses to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..