Norovirus Symptoms Reported at Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Norovirus symptoms in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks have been reported. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the norovirus may have taken a stronghold in the United States. The CDC has reported that the numbers of reported cases has been on the rise. The norovirus is associated with symptoms that look like the flu. The virus causes uncontrollable vomiting.

The CDC says that in recent months the Norovirus has been showing up in schools, on cruise ships and in other public places. A new report from the National Park Service declared that the norovirus, which is highly contagious has been found in two of America´s most popular national parks: Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

The National Park Service warned visitors about the outbreaks after hearing reports that at least 200 people have been sickened with the virus since tourist season began. The says visitors to the parks should thoroughly wash their hands to keep the norovirus from spreading. Businesses will also be required to make more cleaning and disinfection agents avaialable in all public areas. The warning also asks that park workers who are potentially infected should isolate themselves until they are free of symptoms of the virus for at least 72 hours.

The CDC first received reports of illness on June 7. Reports said that tour group members who were visiting Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone started complaining of stomach problem. Park workers who were in contact with the tour group also reported that they were experiencing similar symptoms within 48 hours.

Park officials assumed that reports of the the infections would be drop after the reports, but newer reports of infection resurfaced in the last week. About 150 workers at in Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks reported virus-related illness. Fifty visitors have visited clinics in Yellowstone with norovirus-like illness since the first reports

Grand Teton Park Spokeswoman Jackie Skaggs said “We share visitors with Yellowstone. When something of this nature happens, it´s only logical to assume that we would have similar cases show up down in Grand Teton National Park.”

by Tony Sokol