Dozens of hikers have fallen ill while on California section of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, authorities said.<\/p>\n
The trail runs from Canada to Mexico through Washington, Oregon and California.<\/p>\n
The Pacific Crest Trail Association said in an Instagram post that it is aware of a \u201cgastrointestinal illness<\/a> in the Wrightwood area\u201d in San Bernardino County.<\/p>\n A Reddit post said there have been dozens of cases<\/a> and seven to 12 confirmed norovirus cases.<\/p>\n Noroviruses are highly contagious viruses that can cause vomiting and diarrhea.<\/p>\n The illnesses were first reported<\/a> in early May, SF Gate reported.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve never been that weak,\u201d hiker Ron Halls told the publication.<\/p>\n What to know about \u2018stomach flu\u2019 or noroviruses<\/p>\n Noroviruses, sometimes called \u201cstomach flu,\u201d cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps<\/a>, according to the California Department of Public Health.<\/p>\n Every year, there are about 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks across the country, with surges most common from November to April.<\/p>\n On average each year, the highly contagious viruses<\/a> cause 109,000 hospitalizations, 465,000 emergency department visits and 19 million to 21 million illnesses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.<\/p>\n Norovirus spreads easily from person to person, while infected individuals are experiencing symptoms, according to the California Department of Public Health.<\/p>\n Symptoms typically last one to three days, though someone can still be contagious up to two days after they feel better, according to the public health department\u2019s website.<\/p>\n Good hygiene is key to avoiding noroviruses<\/a>, WebMD.com suggests. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, particularly after using the bathroom and before preparing food. Alcohol-based cleaners, such as hand sanitizers, are not as effective.<\/p>\n The site also advises carefully throwing away contaminated items, such as dirty diapers.<\/p>\n Wash raw fruits and vegetables, and cook oysters and other shellfish. Clean and disinfect surfaces with a mixture of detergent and chlorine bleach after someone\u2019s sick, WebMD says.<\/p>\n And if you catch a norovirus, don\u2019t prepare food for at least two to three days after you feel better.<\/p>\n What to know about the Pacific Crest Trail<\/p>\n