Horseshoe Lake illness that sickened 260 confirmed to be norovirus

KCPQ-TV



KITSAP COUNTY -- Public health officials confirmed the virus that sickened 260 people at Horseshoe Lake was norovirus, which causes symptoms of stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States, health officials said.

Each year, it causes 19-21 million illnesses and contributes to 56,000-71,000 hospitalizations and 570-800 deaths. Norovirus is also the most common cause of food borne-disease outbreaks in the United States, officials said.

It is very contagious, and can be transmitted through water.

Horseshoe Lake remains closed while officials monitor the safety of the water. The decision to reopen the park will not be made until more results from water tests are returned July 18.

Officials reminded people not to drink lake water out of Horseshoe Lake until the situation was resolved.