Durham, N.C. — Health officials in Durham are investigating several cases of the Norovirus, a hard-hitting stomach bug, and the outbreak has prompted the Durham Veterans Administration Hospital to ask all visitors, especially children, to stay away.

The stomach virus, which is highly contagious, has made some hospital patients and staff members sick. Officials are barring visitors to in-patient ward units.

The Durham County Health Department said its investigation is focusing on the long-term care population. Numerous outbreaks have been reported across the state in the past couple of weeks.

Thorough hand-washing is the best way to prevent infection. Officials recommend using soap and water, saying that alcohol-based hand sanitizers may not be all that effective against these viruses.