A popular hiking trail in Hawaii had to close this week after 24 hikers became sick from what is believed to be norovirus — an outbreak many blamed on illegal squatters defecating along the remote path.
A portion of the Kalalau Trail on the Kalalau section of the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park on the island of Kauai was shuttered for seven days beginning Sept. 4, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources posted on Facebook this week.
The DOH received reports of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea from hikers who had been on the 11-mile trail, which runs from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach, from as early as Aug. 14.
So far, none have been hospitalized.
“This is a very concerning and rare occurrence, magnified by the extreme remote nature of the Kalalau Valley,” administrator of the DLNR’s Division of State Parks, Curt Cottrell, said in the post.
“We appreciate the DOH guidance in helping manage and mitigate this isolated outbreak in the hope no one else is exposed or gets sick.”
Some think the trail should be closed for a longer amount of time and blame illegal squatters and unsanitary conditions there for the spread of the disease — and have expressed their concerns via comments on the DLNR’s Facebook post.
“Norovirus can remain in feces for over two weeks after the virus has been passed,” wrote Alex Soule.
“The park needs to be closed for at least a month after all the illegal squatters [are] removed in order for the valley to be safe to visit. Unsanitary living conditions perpetuated by those who illegally occupy the valley caused this and it won’t end until they’re gone and the campground is cleaned.”
Others are contributing the illness to the fact that many defecate on its grounds.
“This is because people are defecating on these beautiful trails, leaving toilet paper and their feces behind. It’s disgusting of course diseases are gonna spread,” added Sharon Borges-Colbert.
Malia Leinau Myers agreed, saying, “I was out there last month and so many people were just pooping in the bushes.”
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