The Pike County Health Department (PCHD) continues to investigate the cause of a food poisoning outbreak.

So far, 20 people have fell ill with acute gastroenteritis in the county.

Food poisoning is caused by the norovirus, which is spread through small particles of feces and vomit from an infected person, according to PCHD.

The best defense against getting infected from the virus is to wash your hands.

The PCHD has not identified the source of this current outbreak.

Health officials said the most common place for a food poisoning outbreak is from a restaurant.

It can take anywhere from half a day to two days after being exposed for people to start showing symptoms:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Stomach Pain
• Headache
• Body Aches

If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill, and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses.

If you have have questions, you can contact the health department at (217) 285-4407.

They are open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.