Norovirus confirmed as cause of illness for campers on popular Kaua‘i trail

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health laboratory results confirmed norovirus as the cause of illness reported by numerous campers at the Kalalau Section of the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kaua‘i.

On Tuesday, DLNR Division of State Parks, on the recommendation of DOH, closed the popular wilderness park camp area. Four patients tested positive for the illness and have been notified of the lab results.

DOH is working in coordination with DLNR to conduct environmental sampling at the campgrounds and surrounding areas. The trail remains closed for seven days.

Since Aug. 14, the Department of Health received reports of acute gastrointestinal illness (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) from 24 people who hiked the Kalalau Trail. One was evacuated but no one has been hospitalized.

Kaua‘i Fire Department also responded to sick hikers over the weekend. One of the hikers reported drinking water in the area before falling ill.

For additional information on norovirus go to: https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/norovirus/