Corsica: 236 cases of gastroenteritis in two weeks on the GR20 trails

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google

Corsica: 236 cases of gastroenteritis in two weeks on the GR20 trails

By MD
Published yesterday at 22:57, update 7 hours ago

Diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting: hikers were affected by gastric problems at the beginning of July on the Isle of Beauty. A total of seven people were hospitalized.

Cascade of gastroenteritis on the GR20 hiking trails in Corsica. According to the Corsican Regional Health Agency (ARS), an epidemic has affected hikers since the end of June, with a peak observed on July 12. In total, between July 1 and July 15, "at least 236 patients were recorded" , the ARS said in a press release published on Friday. While no serious cases were noted by the authorities, seven people were hospitalized for "a short period" . "The symptoms are mainly diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue and nausea and vomiting" , the Corsican agency details.
...
https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-f...eux-semaines-sur-les-chemins-du-gr20-20240728

----------------------------------

Gastroenteritis epidemic on the GR20: update, precautionary measures and recommendations

Press release

July 26, 2024

​

Following the appearance of several cases of gastroenteritis among hikers on the GR20, the ARS Corse, in collaboration with Santé publique France and the Corsican Regional Natural Park, has been carrying out investigations since July 12, the date of the first signal, to identify the origins of this unusual situation and limit the occurrence of new cases.

Point position

Initial investigation results indicate that the outbreak appears to be primarily caused by a virus, probably norovirus (see box).

Following the investigation, it is estimated that the epidemic probably began at the end of June, with a peak observed on July 12. Between July 1 [SUP]and[/SUP] 15, at least 236 patients were identified. No serious cases, 7 short-term hospitalizations were recorded. The symptoms are mainly diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue and nausea and vomiting.
Other pathogens, such as bacteria, may also be linked to this episode.

'The data collected shows a decrease in cases in recent days. But although the epidemic peak has passed, it is crucial to remain vigilant. In order to prevent a new epidemic wave, we remind you of the good practices to observe when hiking:

Follow simple hygiene instructions:

1. Wash your hands frequently: before and after using the toilet, before preparing a meal and before eating.
2. Use soap or a hydroalcoholic solution that complies with standard EN 14476 ( effective against norovirus).

Treat or filter water before consumption:

1. Even if water is not the source of the outbreak, it may carry other pathogens . Thus, it is strongly recommended to treat or filter water before consumption as a precautionary measure.
2. Use portable filters, purification tablets or boil water before drinking.

In case of symptoms of gastroenteritis:

1. Avoid preparing meals for others while you have symptoms, until 48 hours after symptoms have ended.
2. If necessary, contact a doctor or, failing that, call 15.

Even if the instructions have been given and will be reminded to the shelters managed by the Corsican regional natural park as well as to other accommodation and catering professionals, to reinforce the cleaning of the sites, these measures are essential to protect your health and that of other hikers.

We thank you for your cooperation and vigilance.

Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis lasting an average of 2 to 3 days and without complications. In children and the elderly, the duration of symptoms may be longer.

How is this virus transmitted?

Norovirus is easily transmitted from person to person, for example when vomiting occurs, fine droplets projected into the air can settle on surrounding surfaces and contaminate them.

A person can become infected in several ways:

1. By having direct contact with a sick person (e.g. caring for a sick person, sharing food, drinks or utensils with an infected person).
2. By touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then putting fingers in the mouth (e.g. contaminated surfaces, handles or faucets in the bathroom);
3. By eating contaminated food or drinking liquids (e.g., a sick food handler contaminating food or drink);

It is also very resistant in the environment. In fact, refrigeration and freezing have no effect on norovirus. Only cooking can reduce the risks.


https://www.corse.ars.sante.fr/epid...tion-mesures-de-precaution-et-recommandations

​​

 

[sharon sanders]

bump this

 

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google​

"WE HAVE VOMITING, DIARRHEA": GR20 HIKERS AFFECTED BY AN EPIDEMIC OF GASTROENTERITIS

Elise Bretaud with Hugo Septier
THE07/30/2024 at 7:15

While the ARS of Corsica points to a descending epidemic phase, more than 200 cases have been reported since July 1.

It is one of the most famous and difficult hiking trails in Europe. Over nearly 180 kilometers, the GR20 crosses Corsica from north to south via a mountainous and natural landscape. However, since the beginning of the summer, several hundred hiking enthusiasts who have taken it have fallen ill, struck by gastroenteritis.

"A disaster"

According to a press release from the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Corsica published on Friday, July 26, "between July 1 and 15, at least 236 patients were recorded", with a peak observed on July 12. Among these cases, seven required short-term hospitalization and no serious cases were recorded.

On BFMTV, Nathalie, who took the GR20 earlier this month, fell ill during her hike. She recalls severe symptoms that forced her to stop her progress for a few days.

"We had vomiting, diarrhea, we had to take two days off and we managed to finish. It was a bit complicated for me to finish because I had no more appetite, no energy," she says.

In fact, this multiplication of cases causes a kind of psychosis among hikers, who want to avoid getting sick. "Let's say that it would be a disaster to get sick here since civilization is a bit far from the GR. It would be a disaster because he wouldn't be able to finish our GR, in both cases it's complicated," says a hiker.

The norovirus trail?

At first, the authorities believed that it was contaminated by the water consumed by hikers, most of whom use purifying tablets to filter the liquids. However, after analysis, the ARS finally determined that the contamination was of viral origin, not bacterial.

"We can imagine that it was a person who brought this virus between mid-June and mid-July. This is very important, it means that in the shelters, the sanitary conditions were respected in terms of water, cooking, catering," said Philippe Mortel, chief of staff of the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Corsica, again on BFMTV.

The ARS points the finger at a norovirus . This "is easily transmitted from person to person, for example during vomiting" or during contact with contaminated objects, such as toilets or taps, for example. Food can also be vectors.

On Monday, July 29 alone, five new cases of gastroenteritis were reported. However, according to the ARS, the epidemic phase would be descending.
...

https://www.bfmtv.com/sante/on-a-de...demie-de-gastro-enterite_AV-202407300087.html

 

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google

Resurgence of cases of gastroenteritis on the GR20: 16 people evacuated by firefighters

VL on Wednesday July 31, 2024 at 10:44

On the night of July 30-31, the Corse-du-Sud firefighters evacuated 16 hikers who were victims of gastroenteritis. Since the end of June, more than 236 people have been affected by this epidemic, probably caused by the norovirus.

History has been repeating itself for several weeks now on the GR20. On the night of Tuesday 30 to Wednesday 31 July, the Corse-du-Sud firefighters were called to evacuate 16 hikers suffering from gastroenteritis. Some were taken care of at the Asinau refuge, and others at the Pozzi sheepfolds, or at Vizzavona. At the time of the emergency services' intervention, all had "digestive problems comparable to gastroenteritis", specified the Corse-du-Sud departmental fire and rescue service. Some of the hikers were transported on board the Civil Security helicopter.

Since the end of June, more than 236 people have been victims of acute gastroenteritis on this famous long-distance hiking trail. Faced with this health crisis, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Corsica, in partnership with Santé publique France and the Corsican Regional Natural Park, launched an investigation on July 12, the date on which the first cases were reported. The initial conclusions of the investigation indicate that norovirus is probably the cause of this epidemic. This virus, known to cause severe gastroenteritis, spreads rapidly in confined environments where hygiene rules are not always strictly respected.

The scale of this epidemic has prompted health authorities to intensify prevention and awareness measures among hikers and shelter managers. Strict recommendations that were obviously not enough to contain the spread of the virus.

Respect hygiene instructions

Health authorities stress the need to remain vigilant and continue to adopt strict hygiene measures to avoid a new wave of contamination. It is important that GR20 hikers follow certain precautions. Frequent hand washing with soap or a hydroalcoholic solution is essential, especially before meals and after going to the toilet. Treating or filtering source water before consumption is also strongly recommended to prevent further contamination. Even if the water has not been identified as the source of the epidemic, it may carry other pathogens. Health authorities also advise anyone with symptoms of gastroenteritis to avoid preparing meals for others and to remain vigilant for 48 hours after the symptoms have disappeared. In the event of a medical need, it is important to consult a health professional or contact 15.

The Corsican Regional Natural Park and accommodation and catering professionals on the GR20 have received strict instructions to strengthen the cleaning and hygiene of the sites. These measures aim to protect the health of hikers and prevent any further spread of the virus.

https://www.corsenetinfos.corsica/R...rsonnes-evacuees-par-les-pompiers_a79495.html