Confirmed norovirus outbreak in Mankato

The Minnesota Department of Health confirms that an outbreak of norovirus occurred at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato last week.

Minnesota Department of Health spokesperson Doug Schultz said it is likely that more than 50 people attending a Chamber of Commerce event on Tuesday and a veterans' event on Wednesday were sickened in the outbreak.

Norovirus is spread through stool and can be transmitted through food or on surfaces. Symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting typically emerge about 24 to 48 hours after infection.

The agency is still investigating the cause of the outbreak. Schultz said the facility has made some changes to avoid further possible transmission of the virus.

November and December is typically when most norovirus cases in Minnesota occur, Schultz said. Health officials recommend that people wash their hands often to avoid the virus.