Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Norovirus,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on June 23, 2026
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has reported a spike in norovirus on the Appalachian Trail. Starting in early May through June, the organization has been following reports of a “Virginia stomach bug” plaguing hikers along this famous hiking destination.
But it isn’t the only trail to experience this unfortunate situation. Earlier this month, the Make Food Safe Blog reported another norovirus outbreak on the Pacific Crest Trail. While the number of cases involving norovirus on the Appalachian Trail has not been disclosed, over two dozen cases have been reported on the PCT.
What is norovirus and why are hikers vulnerable to infection? Why is norovirus dangerous while hiking? How do you protect yourself from norovirus on the Appalachian Trail? What should you do if you get sick or see someone sick with norovirus on the Appalachian Trail?
Here’s what we know about the situation so far!
Several reports have been coming in with people experiencing norovirus on the Appalachian Trail.
As early as May 7, 2026 reports of a “stomach bug” or “gastro-intestinal illness” were noted near the Virginia Triple Crown and along the Blue Ridge Parkway up to around Rockfish Gap.
For those who frequent these areas, this includes NOBO miles 697.5 to 731.1 and NOBO miles 823.9 to 865.1.
By June 12, 2026, more information became available. There were also additional reports of norovirus on the Appalachian Trail. This time, “suspected norovirus and gastro-intestinal illness” were reported between Buena Vista and Waynesboro, Virginia or NOBO miles 809.8 to 865.3.
The most recent report came on June 15, 2026 with a report of suspected norovirus in Shenandoah National Park at Blackrock Hut (NOBO mile 885.8)
Norovirus is a viral infection often referred to as a “stomach flu” despite it being completely unrelated to influenza virus. Without a laboratory test and accurate diagnosis, people chalk it up to a “stomach bug.” Which, while not entirely accurate, is a little closer than the former. But downplays the true source of the illness. It is a viral gastrointestinal illness.
So, where does norovirus come from?
Nobody likes to think about it. But not unlike other foodborne illnesses, this common “stomach bug” is caused by improper handwashing and traces of infectious poop being spread around.
Yes. Poop.
Outbreaks are often foodborne or waterborne because they are highly contagious and transmitted via fecal-oral route.
You become sick with norovirus after touching something an infected person has touched without effectively washing their hands and then eating or touching your own mouth or eating something contaminated with it. Which can happen in places like the Appalachian Trail or other hiking trails with limited hand hygiene opportunities.
It doesn’t take much to become sick either. Health experts say that you can become infected with as few as 10 viral particles. Even trace amounts that you cannot see, taste, or smell can be enough to spread infection.
People begin feeling sick around 12 to 48 hours after exposure. These symptoms can range from mild to so severe that an individual can become seriously dehydrated or require hospitalization to recover from their illness.
Common symptoms include:
Most people recover within a few days (one to three).
But be careful!
You are most contagious and likely to transmit your illness to others while you are actively sick through the first few days of feeling better. However, you can still spread the illness for two weeks (or even longer) after you begin to feel better.
Hikers are vulnerable to norovirus on the Appalachian Trail (and any other hiking trail) for a variety of reasons.
While there are some rest areas on the Appalachian Trail, they are spaced out. Between those areas, there are no sinks.
Why are sinks important?
Hand hygiene.
The golden rule of preventing illness is “wash your hands.” Without a sick, this is near impossible. Hand sanitizers can be a good substitute for washing your hands when no running water is available. Unfortunately, this work-around is not effective against norovirus.
Another aspect of hiking that makes people vulnerable to norovirus is potentially contaminated water. Not all water sanitation techniques effectively kill norovirus. If your water supply becomes contaminated, you are very likely to become sick.
Boiling water is the best method to kill harmful norovirus from drinking water. But it isn’t always an option. The process takes a bit of time, sometimes burn bans are in effect, and carrying that much water between boiling opportunities isn’t always feasible.
Check your water purification and sanitation materials for manufacturer information to see if it is effective against norovirus.
Once you make it to rest areas, there are plenty of common surfaces that can be contaminated. Restrooms, water fountains, and other structures can be contaminated by other sick hikers. These conveniences are, well, convenient. But they could be teaming with germs.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself from norovirus on the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy provides some great tips!
“Take the following precautions to prevent getting sick on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.):
If you become sick or see someone get sick with norovirus on the Appalachian Trail or some other gastrointestinal problem, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy wants you to report it. Reporting these illnesses helps both trail managers and local health officials better understand what is going on. Knowing this and where it is happening allows for potential measures to be taken and pinpoints which shelters require disinfection.
In addition to staying hydrated, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy requests that you email stomachbug@appalachiantrail.org and respond to the follow-up prompts. Seek medical attention if needed.
If you’d like to know more about food safety topics in the news, like “Reports of Norovirus on the Appalachian Trail,” check out the Make Food Safe Blog. We regularly update trending topics, foodborne infections in the news, recalls, and more! Stay tuned for quality information to help keep your family safe, while The Lange Law Firm, PLLC strives to Make Food Safe!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)