Norovirus Outbreaks Among Colorado River Rafters in the Grand Canyon, Summer 2012

Recurrent norovirus outbreaks affected Colorado River rafters in the Grand Canyon during summer 2012, with incidence rates ranging from 6% to 88% across infected trips. The study identified two distinct genogroups of norovirus (GI and GII) in fecal and vomit samples but found no evidence of contamination on rafting equipment or hiking corridors. Findings suggest transmission likely occurred through direct contact with infected individuals, emphasizing the need for improved norovirus prevention and containment measures in isolated groups.

Magill-Collins, A., Gaither, M., Gerba, C. P., Kitajima, M., Iker, B. C., & Stoehr, J. D. (2015). Norovirus Outbreaks Among Colorado River Rafters in the Grand Canyon, Summer 2012. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine, 26(3), 312–318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wem.2015.02.007