Deep shadows are reflected against a granite wall as rafters unload their boats at Lower Cliffside camp on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River Sept. 19th, 2008.

In the last month, about 50 people have reported getting ill while rafting or working on the famed River of No Return.

Epidemiologists are trying to determine what is causing the gastrointestinal illness that has affected commercial and private rafters on the Middle Fork of the Salmon as well as U.S. Forest Service and fire personnel, said Mike Taylor, an epidemiologist with the Eastern Idaho Public Health District.

"Even river guides have reported getting ill. A Forest Service weed control crew had to be flown out" after becoming ill, Taylor said.

Based on the symptoms — nausea, vomiting and diarrhea — and the rapid onset with recovery in 24 to 48 hours, Taylor suspects it may be norovirus, the notorious cruise-ship virus. More here. Cynthia Sewell, Idaho Statesman

Have you ever camped or rafted along the Salmon River?

 

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