Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation in your stomach and intestines, also known as gastroenteritis. The most common symptoms of norovirus are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach cramps. There are periodic Norovirus outbreaks on long-distance hiking trails, at shelters, and trail cabins or hostels where hikers congregate.
Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads easily through contaminated food, in water sources, touching contaminated surfaces, or by close contact with an infected person. Anyone can get infected with norovirus, and you can get sick multiple times in your lifetime because there are many different strains.
Here’s how to minimize your chances of getting norovirus on a backpacking trip:
- Handwashing with soap and water is crucial: Forget relying solely on hand sanitizer for norovirus. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, before preparing or eating food, and whenever your hands get dirty. Sing the alphabet while you wash your hands. When backpacking, the most convenient form of soap to carry is Sea-to-Summit soap sheets. They’re better than carrying liquid soap like Dr Bronners because they won’t leak in your backpack and you can bring them on airplanes.
- Water treatment beyond filters: Norovirus can be present in water, particularly natural water sources, if they’re shared by many hikers like the pool at a spring. While filtration helps, consider using UV light, like a Steripen Ultra, or chemical Katadyn Micropur Chlorine Dioxide tablets to ensure comprehensive purification.
- Backcountry hygiene matters: Practice good bathroom etiquette by burying waste far away from campsites and water sources with a backcountry trowel. Don’t share personal items like utensils or water bottles with others and don’t put your hand in somebody else’s gorp bag, even when offered.
- Skip the handshake: A friendly wave or fist bump is a great way to greet fellow backpackers and avoid spreading germs. Don’t drink from the same bottle and skip that shared toke.
- Consider timing your trip: Norovirus outbreaks are more common during peak hiking seasons. If possible, choose less crowded times to reduce your risk of encountering the virus from others
Be vigilant. Contracting a case of Norovirus will ruin your day – several days in fact, and it’s worth making the extra effort to avoid it.
By following these precautions, you’ll be on your way to a happy and healthy backpacking adventure!
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