Norovirus Has Infected the Appalachian Trail Earlier Than is Normal and has Made Hikers Sick

[@EarlyRiser71]

If we took a poll, I bet we'd find that a large percentage of the infection is spread (initially) through everyone using trail logs at shelters. Nope. No way I'm picking up those poop-tainted pens and pads for anything. 😁 Hope you are well, brother. Glad to see you are thriving with this channel!!!

[@Sunshine-Patches2024]

You’re exactly right

[@MaryTravels53]

Gross! Never thought of the pen aspect. Carrying my own from now on!

[@2laughandlaugh]

Was at the Priest shelter last week. The "confession" book was right there. Didn't go anywhere near it.

[@2laughandlaugh]

@@MaryTravels53 is always bring a Sharpie and a few pieces of small paper. Never know when you may need them. The weight is insignificant in the grand scheme of things....

[@Ramdinohikes]

@EarlyRiser71 hey there ER. Thanks, I owe it all to you my friend for the inspiration. Absolutley corect about the trial logs. Take care.

[@Judy-fi7ce]

Your video will alert many and will no doubt help stop this virus. Very good advice on what and what not to do. Thanks for your dedication to the trail and hikers.

[@Ramdinohikes]

So nice of you

[@glennrubel4326]

You failed to mention that many hikers start early to avoid the crowds, exactly for this reason.

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

👍

[@AF-tv6uf]

I live in PA, and there was a huge outbreak at a music festival a few years ago. Hundreds sick at once because everyone ate from the same vats of soup. It was in the drinking water of a communal well.

[@williamking4316]

Praying for those on the trail with this sickness, but there should always be sanitary practice always on the trail or anywhere you go! But you have those.......... I really thank you Ramdno for the information of how we can be really do better on how we can prevent this! Thank you always what you do for the Hiking Family!!

[@Lovesracing19]

Saw this morning that leapfrog cafe is off trail for a week. So that's probably good timing.

[@dmunman]

He was way way north. Nuro was starting south of unicoi

[@AllenSchubert]

Wow! Very good explanation of Norovirus! And I didn't know you could spread it for up to two weeks and that hand sanitizer isn't as effective as soap and water! ... Also, hilarious ending to the video. Now I'm wondering what movie this is from. Thanks, Ramdino!

[@Ramdinohikes]

Any time!

[@edwardgwilcoxjr7232]

Thanks for the update Ramdino. Hygiene is most important out on trail. Do what as expected to stop this bug. Leave no trace. ✌️♥️💪🇺🇸

[@dkxkvtr]

Good info. It really comes down to your own contaminated hands touching your face. When I do trail magic I don’t allow hikers to touch anything. They get a paper plate and I serve them, that includes something as minor as ketchup.

[@musingwithreba9667]

I put water in my 2L CNOC bag and attach my water filter then hang it for a gravity filter system and use clean water and soap to wash. I also carry a DCF bowl that I use as a "sink" so I can wash up on particularly sweaty days. The noro virus bubble is one reason I want to have an early start date. Now I'm thinking I may have to start even earlier! Sheesh...!

[@Feribrat99]

Ending was sick buddy, you been near the trail too long, LOL.

[@brendametube]

Ugh! It was awful. I’m new to this channel. I really like it a lot and I’m thankful for it… But that ending doesn’t seem to match the high integrity of the rest of the information we get. It was just so sickening and I was eating something so… Hopefully there’s not a lot of that stuff on this channel because I really love what I’ve learned so far and I find it so helpful.

[@thearkansashiker]

It was hilarious Ramdino.

[@billseay6399]

Hey thanks again my brother as always appreciate ya

[@markviers998]

ROFL at the ending of this video, I know how much fun it is dealing with Noro but hope that ending drives the point across.

[@Feribrat99]

I Suck at Hiking is almost to Damascus and has it, so it is way up there going by the time delay of video making and posting. He stayed at a hostel and then went back to it again but he can speak for himself --he caught it from someone else because he is pretty clean himself from watching him. Nobody is at fault but they need to take care.

[@joyadams507]

@Feribrat99 I follow I Suck at Hiking, he was sick but I don’t recall him saying that it was the Norovirus ..have you verified this before you made this post??

[@harolddenton6031]

In his recent video He said he was staying close by bathroom for this extra zero day he was taking at mountain harbor hostel. That sounds like he had a bad stomach. If type virus.

[@hikingmovie]

He said it was giardia from drinking unfiltered water. His water filter froze.

[@joyadams507]

@@hikingmovie thank you for pointing this out! People right away assumed that it was the norvovirus

[@bruceleez5292]

Last year uncle Johnnie's threw away a hikers sleeping bag while he had norovirus. It was messed up they threw his sleeping bag away and wouldnt replace or give him a new one. All while this hiker was completely incapacitated with noro in his tent. Stay far away from uncle Johnnies.

[@backpackingcapebreton]

There are benefits to being a loner introvert on trail!!! 😜

[@2laughandlaugh]

Yessss....

[@Feribrat99]

I never see anyone wipe the tables or seating around the shelters, but I am sure they do not film most of the things you do or not around a camp.

[@gabicerrahikes]

It’s kinda hard because it’s wood sadly

[@Woodthrush]

Thanks for the info, Ramdino! Any news on whether they found Sadie?

[@mhe8545]

Trail angel should handle the food only.

[@gabicerrahikes]

This is why I don’t sleep in shelters if I don’t have to, don’t touch trail logs, hardly use privies (but do proper LNT) wash my hands often, and bring special hand sanitizer on trail, the sanitizers with benzalkonium chloride .13% do kill noro. Nooo thank you

[@Sunshine-Patches2024]

We only stay in our tent and don’t sign the trail books either or try not to use the privy’s.

[@wanttogo1958]

@gabicerrahikes what is the source of your information regarding the effectiveness of benzalkonium chloride against Noro virus? My research of very reputable sources says that even benzalkonium chloride does not kill Noro virus. The best defense against catching it is washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Also, avoid touching any surfaces others may have contacted after using the privy/doing their business in the woods. Heat applied to carpet or cloth surfaces at specific temperatures and durations will kill it as well as a rather strong solution of bleach and water.

[@KennySmith_AKA_JerseyKid]

I can’t imagine having Noro while hiking the trails but it’s definitely a greater possibility than if you had access to the proper facilities. A sole hiker could easily contaminate themselves if they don’t use proper hygiene. I dealt with it twice in my life. Working aboard a cruise ship and once with my wife and two children. Both times I used proper hand washing and sanitizer but I still became very sick. It’s not in anyway a short lived illness. It takes several days to overcome

[@michaelkaiser85]

For me it only ever lasts 24-36 hours

[@molmer2380]

Thanks for the trail info you provide Ramdino!

[@scottramsay335]

I'm assuming that last bit was filmed last Sunday on Saint Patrick's Day!

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

.. I hope the AT hikers are aware of and appreciate Ramdino's channel and information on the happenings on trail ... Lage numbers of stomach sick hikers will definitely kill the vibe on thru hiking the AT ,, now or ever ... .... YUK,, could have done without the ending outtake ....

[@Ramdinohikes]

I warned ya

[@thearkansashiker]

The ending was hilarious.

[@michaellocke2766]

Thanks for sharing!!!

[@olddudeonthetrail72]

Good info, thank you!

[@mikemoore4016]

Your updates are great.

[@Ramdinohikes]

I appreciate that!

[@thearkansashiker]

Ramdino and Hiking colleagues, question on water sources at the shelters? Do y’all think the water sources at the shelter could be contaminated with Noro from surrounding cat holes and urine? I’m filtering and using aqua tabs , but I’m concerned still.

[@shades1959]

The Appalachian Trail seems to have more of this than any other trail. I stay away from the Shelters and use hand cleaner constantly.

[@winstonsuz]

I imagine what starts on trail may not stay on trail when hikers go into hostels, hotels, towns to eat and resupply, trail magic stops and other people at those places can pick it up then and take to their home and families.

[@bleucarolina]

dang... it's between finishing GA or NJ and I couldn't do GA last time cuz of the fires

[@donrobinson5540]

I’ve had Norovirus. It’s no joke. It spreads like wildfire. How many cruise ships have been affected? Prevention is key. Love the video at the end, but it did not show what happens to your other end at the same time.

[@Ramdinohikes]

I thought showing the other end would be crossing a line,lol

[@shawnr6117]

If you have a backpacking bidet don't use it with the same bottles you carry your drinking water in!!

[@marzymarrz5172]

Oh its miserable cause I hate barfing. I didnt know it was poop related. Oh man I'm not as compulsive as I thought I was...yet another illusion shattered.

[@DeRocco21]

Norovirus doesn't die from alcohol based sanitizer

[@todd4480]

I appreciate the information and the Family Guy ending. I'm planning to start March 1st 2025.

[@richardross7219]

Good video. In eastern CT we are seeing plants that are at least 2 weeks ahead of normal times.

[@MrShasta50]

Just a little west of you Rich .central

[@danielleshea8782]

I used to live in Plainfield 😊

[@richardross7219]

@@danielleshea8782 Next town over.

[@chase-life]

THis kind of information is why more people should support Ramdino on Patreon. Trying to plan. I leave Amicalola April 11th. It seems the thing to do is stay away from hostels, shelters, privys, trail logs, anything that some (or many people touch). Makes me wonder about the white blaze and bronze plaque at Springer...and that trail log. Perhaps less chance of infection that early on the trail? But at what point is it safer to consider staying at a hostel? I was looking forward to staying at a few like Chica and Sunsets and also Laughing Bear in Hot Springs. Seems like Noro could spread pretty far north?

[@Ramdinohikes]

Couldn't agree more on both accounts, lol

[@AF-tv6uf]

What to you folks think about carrying 'purifiers' (which do combat viruses) versus 'filters' which only tackle cellular critters (protozoa and bacteria). I put a purifier in my survival kit because of this kind of thing.

[@thearkansashiker]

I use aqua tabs in addition to filtering. I personally think it makes the water taste better.

[@20Hikecdt23]

How long before symptoms appear after infection? Thank you for the info n video!

[@Ramdinohikes]

less than 24 hrs

[@KennySmith_AKA_JerseyKid]

Patient Zero can actually contaminate themselves and then they spread it because they lack good hygiene. You can not wipe and wash or sanitize your hands properly and for example you get a gnat near your eyes or it lands on you by your eyes. If your hands have microscopic particles of fecal bacteria on them and you rub your eyes, you can give yourself pink eye. So it’s best to avoid places likely to be contaminated and avoid situations that could result in infection later. 12-72 hours is incubation period though I’ve seen a reaction to the bug around 8-10 in the elderly and young children

[@jamesbonner5989]

LOl at the ending.

[@jac1161]

Nov - April = sugar season (holidays), then you have Vit D levels down + NOW, cvdshts which destroy the immune system and may be a huge part of it...

[@MegaMastiffman]

Great ending😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@2laughandlaugh]

Stay away from stuff that others touch....IE...picnic tables, shelter surfaced, etc.....Would not wish this for anyone.

[@ewokinthewoodscairn8908]

Grape and his Tramily had the stomach bug. He’s doing the yo-yo with a picture. Noro is real but many feel the trail experience is sharing everything, including what goes on trail stays on trail. In my opinion, if you didn’t start the trail with someone, practice extreme cleanliness, meaning don’t share anything and wash before and after feeding and eliminating. I cannot see anyone on trail washing with “warm” soap and water for 20 seconds. People don’t do that at home! And as far as the Smokies. If they are going to charge $$$$$ to thru hike, then they d@ng we’ll ought to have a privy with a sanitizer that kills noro inside the stall. Toilet areas are stupid!

[@Lightning77AThiker]

Please bag and dispose of your spent underwear properly. I've seen several discarded pairs next to the trail over the years when this hits.

[@catpatrick3838]

LNT has been an issue on the AT this year, especially toilet paper. The trail has been strewn with toilet paper, both on trail and even right beside one of the shelters in the Smokys. The AT Class of 2024 basically did this noro virus outbreak to themselves.

[@HenryC-uc7ez]

There have been reports of kids on Spring Break and others hiking through the Smokies

[@joebobku]

I'm coming up the trail through Gorgia now. I'm not seeing trash or tp anywhere. The only thing disgusting is the privies. They could fix that issue by hiking in bottles of spray bleach for people to use on the seats. No one is going to steal and hike out a bottle of spray bleach.

[@madratter]

Wow😂😂 that ending Ramdino 😂😂😂

[@Ramdinohikes]

i warned ja

[@Wootangtw]

Wow… that sucks

[@edfrhes]

After this video i washed my hands for several minutes. Ick.

[@joshbrown5938]

I suck at hiking has it but Leo the dog is ready to go

[@LynnStAubin-od5qe]

He had giardia from a frozen water filter.

[@youreworthyourweightinavoc7189]

Do the SOBO crew get a noro outbreak each year? Just still toting up my NOBO v SOBO pros n cons

[@Ramdinohikes]

I don't recall thier being a sobo outbreak. Smaller group ,smaller tramiles.

[@youreworthyourweightinavoc7189]

@@Ramdinohikes thanks, another SOBO pro then

[@MAC88-88]

Thanks... try not to use the picnic tables in bear country around shelters, the collective crums with rain brew bear soup.

[@ciscokid1999]

in 2025 I'm bring my own pen to sign logs.....bunch of poopers out there......

[@jfrosty42]

Gonna bring your own log too??

[@rumchacha444]

A great video. We are a small channel and are happy to leave a subscription. Lovely Greetings from Germany. Martin & Angelika😘👍👍

[@Ramdinohikes]

Thanks and welcome

[@kennethschaidle5995]

Do you think that using a Steri Pen uv purifier would make a difference? IE is Noroviris usually transmitted through contaminated water?

[@Ramdinohikes]

Actually I think it's more transmitted by surface contact

[@joeswoods]

People need to bring a little jar of soap and stop relying on hand sanitizer, I had never heard of noro outside of hiking now there are outbreaks all over the country. With hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere in public, lots of folks are substituting sanitizer for actually washing their hands coming from public and work bathrooms. I suppose it’s better than nothing but not a true soap substitute.

[@lenoredisman3192]

Was wondering did the hiker find her dog?

[@thearkansashiker]

Not yet.

[@genebenefiel7397]

So basically so nice there isn't a way to wash your hands like discussed on trail it's going to be hard to not catch . Haven't seen any place to regularly wash hands under constant running water . And your supposed to wash 200 yards from running water. Would bleach wipes help on trail since they make those now

[@Ramdinohikes]

I would think so

[@echo6echo419]

When washing your hands, also be sure to get between your fingers and up to just above the wrist bones. It's surprising how much crud is in those locations even after a "hand washing".

[@JootBird]

Echoing others, don't bother with trail logs!

[@Fistmele]

Because people have been crapping all over the place and no cat hokes.

[@longrider42]

Okay, so how does patient 0 get said virus?

[@putpin1153]

Probably from your dog that you let run, unleashed and drink and poop and pee in the water source.

[@mhe8545]

Already? No fun at the start or even the end.

[@putpin1153]

Luckily, if you survive the Smokies without getting the virus, it will probably die at standing bear, because I don’t think even the neurovirus is strong enough to make its way past that hostel .

[@Ramdinohikes]

Lol

[@luckyotter623]

The best way to avoid getting sick is probably to avoid the bubble. Start later than most, in late April or early May (though you will have less time to finish your hike before the cold weather hits up north - you can always do it as a flip flop) or very early, as early as January, as a few brave souls have done. If the social reasons and sense of community are your main reasons for hiking the AT, then not being in the bubble won't work for you. But if you're more into solitude and having hostels and everything else to yourself, this may be a win-win situation for you. Just be mindful of hiking in the dead of winter, or having less time to finish your hike, or having to flip flop later. Or, you can always do sobo (southbound), which means there is no real bubble, as sobo is far less popular than nobo. But you'll get to see the Blue Ridge and Smokies in the fall - and they are spectacular!

[@KrizAkoni]

Ew…not touching anything…. 🤮🤮🤮

[@mjay6567]

Sounds like a shitty time

[@pippishortstocking7913]

Totally avoidable infection. People aren't practicing proper hygiene technique, resulting in cross contamination.

[@joemasello1464]

The last place I would expect to be exposed to a virus is open air hiking trails. The first place is the usual congested areas with shopping carts, public door handles, card key pads, gas pumps,,,,,

[@Sean-st5ud]

I'd personally leave like late April or even early May

[@scott6252]

Sounds like a trail of poop

[@woodsman335]

"Cotton picking" phrase is a racial slur just in case you didn't know. I live in Alabama. I know.

[@HikerTrash-hq3so]

My white grandparents both picked cotton. It’s just a saying.

[@Ramdinohikes]

My white grandparents and great grands did too. My mom picked tobacco.

[@woodsman335]

@@Ramdinohikes gotcha. Just saying that, here in the south, it's a racial thing. Might not be in northern areas of the country.

[@MHenry475]

I’m in the south and all of my ancestors worked the land for all resources… it’s just a southern saying, not racially motivated

[@richardh.5404]

@Ramdinohikes lives in the south too. @woodsman335, that’s just stupid. My white grandmother worked in a cotton mill in Athens, Georgia. We’ve said “cotton pickin’” all of my life.