A popular hiking trail in Hawaii had to be closed this week after 24 hikers fell ill with what is believed to be norovirus — an outbreak many have blamed on illegal squatters defecating on the remote trail.
A portion of the Kalalau Trail on the Kalalau section of Napali Coast State Wilderness Park on the island of Kauai was closed for seven days, beginning Sept. 4. Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources posted on Facebook This week.
The DOH received reports of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea from hikers on the 11-mile trail from Ke’i Beach to Kalalau Beach since August 14.
So far, no one has been hospitalized.
“This is a very concerning and rare occurrence, amplified by the extremely remote nature of the Kalalau Valley,” Kurt Cottrell, administrator of the DLNR’s State Parks Division, said in the post.
“We appreciate the DOH guidance to help manage and mitigate this isolation outbreak, in the hope that no one else gets exposed or sickened.”
Some believe the trail should be closed long-term and blame illegal squatters and unsanitary conditions there for the spread of disease — and have voiced their concerns through comments on DLNR’s Facebook post.
“Norovirus can remain in feces for more than two weeks after passing the virus,” wrote Alex Soule.
“The park needs to be closed for at least a month after all the illegal squatters [are] The valley was removed to make it safe to visit. The unsanitary living conditions perpetuated by the illegal squatters in the valley caused this and will not end until they leave and the campground is cleared.
Other people are contributing to this disease that many defecate based on it.
“This is because people defecate on these beautiful roads, leaving behind toilet paper and their faeces. It’s disgusting of course diseases will spread,” added Sharon Borges-Colbert.
Malia Lynau Myers agreed, saying, “I was out there last month and there were a lot of people rustling in the bushes.”
Post Hawaii’s Popular Kalalau Trail Closes After 24 Hikers Contract Norovirus — And Many Blame Defecating Squatters appeared first New York Post.