Norovirus Outbreak Reported at Spaulding Rehab in Charlestown

Officials at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown are battling a norovirus outbreak that has sickened 22 out of 132 inpatients and three staff members since Tuesday afternoon, Boston.com reported Wednesday.

A spokesperson for the hospital told Boston.com that staff is working to keep sick patients isolated in their rooms and the hospital has had no series complications thus far, according to the report. 

The gastrointestinal infection, which is highly contagious, is also known as the "winter vomiting virus" and can bring with it symptoms of diarrhea, nausea and gastrointestinal cramps. It is usually considered to be short-lived and not series, with symptoms resolving in an average of two days, according to the report. 

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has been made aware of the outbreak and any sick staff members are asked to not return to work until 72 hours after symptoms are gone. 

For more, read the report on Boston.com >>