SHENANDOAH, VA (Rocktown Now) — Shenandoah National Parks officials are sounding the alarm regarding several reports of severe sickness on the Appalachian Trail.

Authorities suspect the highly contagious Norovirus is the culprit and are recommending those hiking the trail or visiting the park to boil all water for at least 1-minute to kill germs, refrain from sharing food and other personal items, bury waste at least 8-inches deep and 200-feet from water services, and always wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Those who fall ill should avoid other hikers for 2 to 3 days after symptoms subside and seek medical treatment if severely dehydrated or if symptoms last more than a few days.