The Jefferson County Health Department is conducting an ongoing investigation into a possible food borne illness outbreak.  The health department first started receiving phone calls on April 8^th about individuals who were reporting symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and low grade fever. Approximately 90 people ate brunch prepared by Krieger’s Sports Bar at the Holiday Inn on Sunday, April 6^th from 11 am – 2 pm. To date there have been interviews conducted with 34 people. These individuals did eat at this same food establishment on Sunday, April 6^th from 11am – 2 pm.  Of the 34 people interviewed about this possible food borne illness outbreak, it was determined that there were 21 sickened and 13 reported no symptoms of illness.  Six people presented to the ER for treatment and two were hospitalized. The health department has received one confirmed lab result of norovirus on Monday, April 14th.  Other lab specimens sent for testing are pending results.  Noroviruses are a group of related viruses that affect the intestinal tract causing gastroenteritis illness.  The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least half of all foodborne outbreaks of gastroenteritis can be attributed to noroviruses.  Some studies indicate that more than 60% of the U. S. population is exposed to one or more of these viruses by the age of 50.  Noroviruses are highly contagious and can spread easily from person to person.  The health department will continue its investigation and if new information becomes available, will update the local media with a press release. For more information, please call the health department at 618-244-7134 or visit www.jeffcohealth.blogspot.com.