Nearly 200 Yosemite National Park visitors sick after likely norovirus outbreak

Joshua Yeager | Visalia Times-Delta

Show Caption Hide Caption How to stop the spread of norovirus Here are a few tips to help you prevent the spread of highly contagious norovirus.

Those planning to visit Yosemite National Park this holiday weekend may want to reconsider with hundreds of people falling ill after a visit to the popular tourist destination.

Approximately 170 people reported experiencing gastrointestinal illness, including park visitors and employees, park officials announced Thursday.

Most of the affected individuals spent time in Yosemite Valley.

Two of those affected are confirmed cases of norovirus. The "overwhelming majority" of the other cases are consistent with norovirus, according to the announcement.

Most cases occurred on and around the first week of January. The park reports a "significant decline" of new cases over the past several days.

Yosemite officials and medical professionals are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the illness and are conducting interviews with affected people, authorities said.

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Norovirus spreads very easily, including through direct contact with an infected person, touching a surface or object contaminated with norovirus, or eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with norovirus.

Symptoms of norovirus usually begin 12-48 hours after exposure.

Officials are now working to prevent additional illnesses. The park continues to undertake "extensive cleaning and enhanced sanitation protocols," the announcement said.

Officials said an individual can help prevent norovirus transmission through the following actions:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol can be used.

Avoid sharing food or drinks with other people, especially when you’re sick or they’re sick.

If you do experience any illness, please stay hydrated and contact your health care provider if you have any concerns. Please limit your interaction with other people as much as possible to prevent further spread.

Joshua Yeager covers water, agriculture, parks and housing for the Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Advance-Register newspapers. Follow him on Twitter @VTD_Joshy. Get alerts and keep up on all things Tulare County for as little as $1 a month. Subscribe today.