State seeks answers following norovirus outbreak at Na Pali Coast

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaii Department of Health has partnered with the DLNR Division of State Parks to seek answers after a norovirus outbreak occurred on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast.

Nearly a week ago, the outbreak affected dozens of hikers in Kalalau. Four patients were tested for the virus and all returned positive.

The Kalalau Trail will remain closed until at least Sept. 19, but state officials are looking to find more answers through a survey directed to all Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park visitors from July 1 to Sept. 4.

The survey will help identify unreported norovirus cases and gather more information on activities and locations that are “associated with a higher risk of becoming ill.”

Officials said the survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete and responses will be kept confidential.

In the meantime, comfort stations along the Kalalau Trail are being cleaned and disinfected. Since Haena State Park and Kee Beach will remain open, comfort stations will receive enhanced cleaning and disinfection.

Those who have the easily spread virus may experience copious vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea and fever.

DOH officials said it only takes a few virus particles from stool or vomit to make another individual sick.

The survey will be distributed through email and social media. It can also be found on the DOH’s website. More information on the virus can also be found on the CDC website or on the DOH’s Disease Outbreak Control Division website.