YMCA camp in Grand County has been closed after 72 children and 15 staffers have fallen ill with flu-like symptoms leading the authorities to believe they face a norovirus outbreak.

Norovirus outbreaks are often linked to ill handlers and contaminated food or water. People infected with the gastrointestinal virus usually experience diarrhea and/or vomiting mostly. The virus is generally spread from person to person by direct contact and/or by touching contaminated surfaces or objects.

Although the illness usually lasts 1 to 2 days and is not considered serious for the general population, young children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, may develop more severe complications and should ask for a healthcare provider’s help.

The Colorado Health Department is investigating the source of the outbreak at YMCA camp. For the moment, those infected with norovirus or persons who have had a contact with an infected person have been quarantined to a pavilion outside the camp area, YMCA spokeswoman Lori Van Horn told 9News.

She also added that the closure “was the hardest thing that we have chosen to do” with hundreds of campers having fun this time of the year. However, she assured all campers that they will be refunded for their trips and for the next week they would have spent at the camp if the outbreak had not happened.

The good news is that no one has ended up in the hospital. However, care workers are making sure the infected children and staff members are all staying hydrated.