The Wayne County Health Department is investigating whether norovirus is the cause of the stomach flu-like symptoms that hit 37 youngsters and a counselor who were part of a basketball camp in Livonia last week. Reports that almost half of the 80 campers were too sick to come back to Madonna University on Friday, June 22, for the last day of the weeklong day camp have been investigated by the health department. "Our staff are still investigating it," said Al Guardiola, acting director of environmental health for the county.

"We suspect norovirus, but again we have nothing definitive." The virus can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping and chills usually for a day or two. And it can be tough to track, Guardiola said.

Most often, he said, it stems from a fecal-to-oral contact; sometimes it's foodborne. At Madonna, officials believe it's likely a camper brought the virus and it was somehow spread. "No one who works here full time, uses the drinking fountains and all of that, none of us has gotten sick," said Athletic Director Bryan Rizzo.

He also noted there were no reports of illnesses during the boys basketball camp the week before or during the girls volleyball camp that had been going on this week. A health department representative supervised Madonna's housekeeping staff in disinfecting all of the surfaces with a bleach-based cleaning solution on June 23, the day after the report. They cleaned in and around the gymnasium - including the basketballs, drinking fountains, doors, etc.

Since the campers were also served food, the campus cafeteria also had its food preparation surfaces, chairs, tables, utensils and other items disinfected, according to Sister Nancy Jamroz, vice president for student services. Mary McIlraith's son Gregory, 10, was one of the campers, who ranged in age from 8-15. While her son didn't get sick, she did have to answer questions from the health department - about whether he ate lunch from the cafeteria (he didn't), whether he'd done anything else that week (he'd gone to a nearby swim club) and which bathroom or water cooler he used.

McIlraith, of Livonia, said she thought other parents would want to know about the investigation, but she strongly supports Madonna's program. "We've done that camp for (two) years. We love Chuck Henry (coach) and Bernie Holowicki (former head coach) but I think families have a right to know," she said.

Guardiola said the state may yet request stool samples for a further investigation. While the symptoms last up to 60 hours, he said the virus could remain in a person's system, and thus could be shared, for up to two weeks. To help prevent infection, the Centers for Disease Control recommends frequent washing of hands, especially after visiting the toilet or changing diapers or when preparing food; carefully washing fruits and vegetables; and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, clothing and areas surrounding the toilet after flushing vomitus or stool.

The Wayne County Health Department is investigating whether norovirus is the cause of the stomach flu-like symptoms that hit 37 youngsters and a counselor who were part of a basketball camp in Livonia last week.