TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- More than a dozen students at the University of Arizona in Tucson are suffering from a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.

University officials informed students by e-mail of the virus, which is causing norovirus-like symptoms.

Noroviruses cause stomach-related distress such as sudden-onset vomiting, diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps.

The e-mail told students that the close quarters in college residence halls are ideal for quickly spreading the virus.

No medications treat noroviruses and those infected can feel extremely sick and uncomfortable, and vomit many times a day. Noroviruses typically pass in a few days.

Officials say the best way to prevent infection is by frequently washing hands, using hand sanitizers, and making sure not to share food, utensils or drinking glasses.

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Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.azstarnet.com

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