Why are Grand Canyon visitors getting sick?

This is the largest outbreak of acute gastroenteritis documented in the Grand Canyon National Park backcountry. Preliminary analysis of illness characteristics and portable toilet specimen test results suggested norovirus as the primary causative agent of illness.



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Grand Canyon reports 118 cases of gastrointestinal illness, norovirus found in several park visitors.

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norovirus-outbreak-in-grand-canyon. A typical river beach kitchen with dishwash setup. Photo credit: NPS file. Grand Canyon (GC) National Park Service (NPS) officials reported more than 150 cases of acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) among river runners and hikers between April and May, 2022.

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High-Altitude Hazards -- The Grand Canyon rim's high elevation (approximately 7,000 ft.) can lead to altitude sickness, shortness of breath, fatigue, and even nausea. Be sure to drink plenty of water and take it easy, particularly when you first arrive to this elevation.

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A large norovirus-associated outbreak of acute gastroenteritis occurred in the Grand Canyon backcountry among river rafters and backpackers during April–June 2022. Preliminary analyses of illness characteristics and portable toilet specimen test results suggested norovirus as the primary causative agent of illness.

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Airplane and helicopter crashes are the most common cause of death at the Grand Canyon, followed by falling, which includes both accidents and suicides. Other causes of death include hiking and environmental deaths such as dehydration, starving, and freezing, according to data from Hastings & Hastings.

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The Grand Canyon tops bucket lists across the world, and yet, it faces threats from every direction. Uranium mining risks contamination of precious water sources, and proposed developments threaten the natural, cultural, and scenic values of the canyon.

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