Although the REDCap survey identified only 27 ill hikers, social media reports indicated that the true size of the outbreak was likely substantially larger, with 27 reports with a date of onset, and numerous others without further chronologic information apart from the year (2022). Norovirus prevention in remote areas is difficult because of a lack of easily available clean water and soap for handwashing, and inability to routinely disinfect shared surfaces (e.g., cabins and restrooms). Moreover, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, commonly used in hiking, are not effective against norovirus (5). Preventing future outbreaks will require fostering increased awareness of the importance of handwashing and lack of effectiveness of alcohol-based hand sanitizers against norovirus, and more frequent cleaning of public facilities; early outbreak detection might be facilitated by social media surveillance.
FoodWorld 