norovirus Photo: CFP

Local authorities in South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region launched an investigation after 85 students in seven schools were infected with norovirus, media reports said Sunday. 

Since Thursday, some students in the seven local schools in Hechi city experienced symptoms of abdominal pain and vomiting. A total of 85 students were admitted to hospital for medical observation and diagnosed with norovirus infection.

The local city government has set up a working group to investigate the case, according to Xinhua News Agency on Sunday.

Norovirus, the most common cause of gastroenteritis, is usually spread through the fecal-oral route, which means people are often infected by eating food or water contaminated with stool from infected people, or through touching contaminated objects. 

Norovirus infections tend to be more common during the fall and winter seasons as the virus tends to live longer in low temperatures. The disease affects people of all age groups.

Global Times