What to know
- Presentation Day/Time: Tuesday, April 22, 1:20–2:45 pm
- Presenter: Ashley Tseng, PhD, MPH, EIS officer assigned to the Hawaii State Department of Health
What did we do?
- Kalalau Trail on Kauai, Hawaii is a popular 22-mile backpacking route that attracts visitors globally.
- On September 3, 2024, the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) was notified of 9 acute gastrointestinal illness cases within 1 group that hiked Kalalau Trail; social media reports suggested more Kalalau visitors were ill.
- We initiated an outbreak investigation, and the park was closed for facilities disinfection.
- We confirmed a norovirus outbreak among visitors to a recreational trail in Hawaii.
What did we find?
- We collected 20 environmental samples, including 15 surface swabs, three sand, and two water samples.
- Norovirus GII was detected in one swab from a toilet seat.
- Human-specific viral fecal indicator (CrAssphage) was detected in 2 sand samples from a cave, suggesting human fecal contamination.
Why does it matter?
- Environmental sampling helped guide public health interventions to prevent further spread of infection.
- The Department of Land and Natural Resources extended park closure from seven to 27 days for additional facility disinfection and maintained cave closure after park reopening.
- No new cases were identified post reopening.
Abstract Category: Norovirus