The Kalalau Trail, the most popular section of Kauai’s iconic Napili Coast National Wildlife Refuge, is closed until further notice due to a suspected rare norovirus outbreak, Hawaii officials said.
Since Aug. 14, 24 hikers have reported symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea after visiting Kalalau, according to a report released Tuesday. press release by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. One person was evacuated and another hospitalized.
On Monday, several boat visitors to Kalalau reported becoming “seriously ill.”
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Laboratory test results have not yet confirmed the disease causing the outbreak, but authorities suspect it is norovirusa highly contagious gastroenteritis that is transmitted through contaminated water or food. People with the disease can remain contagious for two weeks, even after they feel better.
Officials decided to close Kalalau on Wednesday due to the “high risk of disease in this isolated environment,” the statement said.
“This is a very concerning and rare event, amplified by the extremely isolated nature of the Kalalau Valley,” Curt Cottrell, DLNR State Parks Division administrator, said in the statement. “We appreciate the guidance from DOH to help manage and mitigate this isolated outbreak in the hopes that no one else is exposed or becomes ill.”
Known for its rugged cliffs and waterfalls, Napili Coast State Wilderness Park is one of Kauai’s top attractions. Some may recognize the coastline from movies like “Jurassic Park” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Split between Napili Coast State Wilderness Park and Haena State Park, the 22-mile Kalalau Trail is “one of the most popular park destinations on the planet,” according to the park superintendent. websiteIt is the only trail that accesses the Napili Coast by land, taking hikers through five valleys before reaching a cliffside beach.
Four enforcement officers will be present in the park to inform visitors of the closure and to monitor campers currently in the park. Those with permits to visit Kalalau during the closure are eligible for a refund or a new reservation.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Kauai’s most popular trail closed due to possible norovirus outbreak
