CLEVELAND — Eleven members of the planning team for the California delegation to the Republican convention were recovering Tuesday from a bout of norovirus, or what's commonly known as stomach flu, health officials said. No delegates appeared to be affected.
The symptoms, which can include vomiting and diarrhea, were first reported Thursday as logistics members arrived at a hotel about an hour west of Cleveland ahead of the Republican National Convention, said Pete Schade, Erie County health commissioner.
Those who got sick are keeping themselves isolated in their rooms, Schade said, and the Ohio Health Department is trying to identify the source. The norovirus can be contracted from an infected person, from contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces.
Ohio Health Department spokesman Russ Kennedy confirmed there was at least one suspected norovirus case and said the victim was apparently infected before arriving in Ohio, based on when the person fell ill.
Cynthia Bryant, executive director of the California GOP, told delegation members to wash their hands frequently, avoid shaking hands and not to share food.