Norovirus at Yellowstone/GTNP?
 

We have reservations at Yellowstone and GTNP in a couple of weeks and one of our family members is medically compromised. I have left messages for/emailed folks in both parks inquiring about the current incidence of norovirus, but haven't received any replies from anyone. Does someone out there have up to date information? Thank you!

The last mention of this in the news media that I've seen was at the end of June, but I've been away on vacation. It's likely that all cleaning has been done, but these cases often originate outside of the hotel or facility where the break-out is found and can recur. It was going around my home town in Kansas around Christmas, when there was another big outbreak.

What I saw when this was reported was they were trying to disinfect things--BUT be DILIGENT in washing your hands, cleanliness. I think this is the answer whenever these outbreaks occur.

Further, while alcohol-based hand sanitizer is fairly effective against the influenza virus, it may have virtually no effect on norovirus, so hand-washing rather than tons of hand sanitizer is indeed the key here.

But the more I think about it the more I wonder if it's wise in any event to bring an immuno-compromised person into any wilderness destination. Animals carry other diseases, and it's just impossible in nature to really keep clean and avoid all bacteria and viruses, regardless of whether there is or is not a norovirus outbreak.

Thank you for your replies! Fortunately, our family member's condition isn't life-threatening and she does travel quite a bit, but only after we assess to the best of our ability the presence of any particular danger. The last information I've been able to get is that the presence of the virus is "declining," but the lack of specificity (does declining mean only 10 people in the clinic in the last week or does it mean 50) is not very helpful!

Just got back on 7/13/13 from a week at Yellowstone and the Grand Teton - no sign of the norovirus. Enjoy your trip. The area is gorgeous.