Norovirus confirmed as illness affecting Kalalau hikers

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Department of Health confirmed norovirus as the illness that affected dozens of hikers in Kalalau.

The lab results for four patients were tested and all returned positive for the virus.

The Kalalau section of the Nāpali Coast was closed Wednesday and will remain closed for seven days.

One camper told KHON2 of the unsanitary conditions due to the amount of people who were sick.

“There is human waste all over the area right now, which is definitely contributing to the spread of whatever we got,” said Jeff Gaughan.

With the nearest restrooms being closed to the public, campers said available restrooms were about a quarter mile down the beach.

“The virus could have been just lingering around in the sand and the dirt, on the trees, on the rocks, on the tables that were there. The entire campsite is probably infested with it,” Gaughan told KHON2.

“Retching and heaving and vomiting can can cause some of these viral particles to aerosolize,” stated Dr. Buenconsejo-Lum. “It can go airborne a little bit.”

Environmental sampling is being conducted by DOH at the campgrounds and surrounding areas.