They develop an obsessive interest in weather, day length, elevation gains and losses, and how far they can hike in one day. The most severe form of this syndrome was first described in 1948, but it was rare until the 1960s. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas succumbed in 1958. In the 1990s it became a major epidemic, with thousands coming down with it each year. The virus respects neither age, sex, physical handicap, nor nationality.
Some people get it several times, and many victims write books about their struggles.
Several dogs and at least one cat have fallen prey to it. More men than women suffer from the disease, but, as with many other conditions, women are catching up. However, many victims can lead lives that are surprisingly close to normal if they can acknowledge their affliction and get the hiking done, either all at once or in sections. Many self-help books are available, and support groups exist in some communities. Article copyright Stackpole Books .