Milroy, Pa. - Health officials have determined that dozens of Mifflin County children who become violently ill following their school lunch last week were infected with norovirus.

Michael LaMarca, principal of Armaugh Elementary School in Milroy, said the cause was identified by the state Department of Health.

Test results of the water and the food at the school were negative. The school, which had been serving bag lunches since 47 students became sick September 3, will serve the normal scheduled lunch on Friday, LaMarca said.

Norovirus causes "stomach flu" and is very contagious. It is spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the viruses, touching contaminated surfaces and placing the hand in the mouth, or having direct contact with another person who is affected and showing symptoms.

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