Norovirus caused dozens to be sick after Lee County schools fundraiser

The Lee County Health Department has concluded that a Norovirus caused dozens of people to fall ill earlier this month at a Lee County Public Schools fundraiser.

But it will likely be up to a week before the department concludes how it was spread, aid Robert South, department epidemiologist.

About 200 people attended the 15th Annual Take Stock in Children Holiday Auction on Nov. 4 at Paseo Village Center.

Norovirus sickens 131 in McHenry County nursing homes

A norovirus outbreak at three McHenry County nursing homes has sickened 131 people, sent eight to the hospital and caused some of the long-term care facilities to refuse new admissions.

Norovirus causes symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and fever and is sometimes referred to as “stomach flu, ” although it is not related to influenza.

Health officials were made aware of the spike in cases early this week. Those affected include not only residents at the nursing homes, but staff as well.