At least 62 patients and staff at the Shepherd of the Valley Care Center have a stomach sickness that health officials think is a Norwalk-like virus, according to center employees.

Karen James, the center's director of nursing, said 50 of the 172 residents and 12 staff members have gotten an illness that can cause vomiting and diarrhea, though not all have both.

She said the first people got sick on Monday, but everyone to this point has made a full recovery within 24 hours to 36 hours. There is no treatment for this illness so staff are asking visitors to take precautions.

"We've posted signs on our doors for our visitors to please stop at the reception to get a mask," James said.

City of Casper-Natrona County Health Department spokesman Marty Thone said the illness looks like a norovirus, or Norwalk-like virus, which often affects cruise ships and caused about 60 people to become sick at the Parkway Plaza Hotel in December 2002. Officials have not yet confirmed their suspicions through laboratory testing.

Thone said the outbreak is worrisome since most of the center's residents are older than 70 and may have suppressed immune systems.

Norovirus is transmitted through stool and vomit. Health officials are currently teaching center employees proper handwashing and sanitation techniques.

Both Thone and James said it is unlikely the virus was spread through food prepared in the centralized kitchen because the center is divided into four separate units and entire units have been spared from the outbreak despite eating the same food.

James said center staff have canceled or postponed social functions until Monday when, she hopes, the outbreak will be over. Family are still welcome to visit, she said, "but we're requesting that if they could reschedule, please do."