Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease can be prevented by wearing long sleeve shirts and pants.  Hikers should use insect repellant.  Hikers should also constantly check themselves for ticks and ask others to check hard to see places.  If a hiker finds a tick during self-examination, they should remove the tick immediately. 

How to Prevent Illness From Communicable Diseases

Giardia and Norovirus can be easily prevented by practicing good hygiene.  A few simple sets can keep a hiker healthy and avoid a messy situation.  Hikers should wash their hands with soap and water before eating and after relieving themselves.  Always use sterilized cooking and drinking water.  Never share food with other hikers and avoid physical contact. Over time hikers had opted to fist bump instead of shaking hands in an effort to avoid transmitting communicable diseases.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Warning Poster and Incident Report

Appalachian Trail Conservancy 2016 poster warning hikers about norovirus, prevention, symptoms, and what to do if a hiker becomes ill while on the trail.  If a hiker contracts norovirus they can experience symptoms such as stomach pains, vomiting, and or diarrhea.  They should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, avoid contact with others, contact the ATC at stomachbug@appalachiantrail.org.  The ATC request that hikers report any incidents along the trail, whether it be illness, injury, suspicious or criminal activity.