Gastrointestinal Illness - linked to Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon Village, 86023 Arizona, United States

The National Park Service Office of Public Health announced that they have received reports of gastrointestinal illness among >150 private and commercial river rafters and back-country campers at the Grand Canyon during April and May 2022. Symptoms include nausea, stomach cramping/pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms are consistent with norovirus, and they have confirmed norovirus from at least eight rafting trips according to the release.

The National Park Service Office of Public Health, along with Coconino County Health and Human Services and CDC are monitoring and investigating this situation.

The National Park Service Office of Public Health advises that while traveling in the backcountry, river running, or hiking, you may need to use water from the Colorado River, side streams, pools, springs, or other sources. There may have been a time when it was safe to use such sources, but no longer. Any untreated water has the potential to cause illness if it is not properly and carefully disinfected.

Norovirus is very contagious and is easily transmitted from person to person most through the oral/fecal route. Considering that hand sanitizer does NOT work against this virus, it is important to wash your hands with soap frequently.

In case you experience vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea, report it now. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/safe-water.htm | Symptoms: Nausea, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Cramps, Stomach Pain