The Grand Canyon in Arizona is a true geological wonder and one of those places everyone dreams of visiting at least once in their lifetime. But in recent months, magical getaways have taken an extremely awkward turn. The natural site has actually become a huge contagion center for gastroenteritis, likely caused by a norovirus, says Ars Technica.
More than 150 rafters and campers have fallen ill since April, according to the Grand Canyon National Park Service website. How the virus spreads among visitors has yet to be clarified, especially since people in parts of the park that were not connected to each other are said to have contracted it.
The National Park Service has therefore announced that the virus can be transmitted from one individual to another, through food and water, or even through contaminated surfaces. The valet advises visitors to wash their hands regularly, not to share food with other people and to self-isolate if the first symptoms appear.
Watch out for human excrement!
He also recommended not drinking water that comes directly from the Grand Canyon’s rivers, springs, or waterfalls. As Ars Technica explains, when visiting tourists have no choice but to use the gorges’ water sources, “the water must be filtered and then chemically disinfected or boiled.”
Most importantly, the park encourages visitors not to leave their “human waste” lying around… There’s no need to draw a picture.
“If a toilet is not available, all solid bodily waste must be collected and disposed of using portable toilets or a specially designed bag system. Even vomit should be kept in a lockable container and transported out of the gorge.”
Although very unsavory, norovirus is not a life-threatening condition in most cases. However, with the approach of the intense heat typical of summertime, the disease can lead to complications. The valet therefore advises visitors to drink enough fluids to avoid putting themselves in danger. A sick tourist recently had to be evacuated by helicopter.