An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness may have affected close to 200 people at a hotel in downtown Halifax.

Health officials say 50 guests and employees at the Delta Halifax have reported symptoms, but say the investigation is in its early stages.

“We’re looking at a number of groups who have attended various conferences at the Delta Halifax,” says Dr. Frank Atherton, Nova Scotia’s deputy chief medical officer of health.

Public Health says 50 people became ill after visiting or working at the hotel earlier this week.

“What can happen is that if one person is affected, they can have diarrhea, they can vomit and, even with good precautions, unfortunately these things spread very easily,” says Atherton. “So, surfaces can become contaminated, food can become contaminated.”

Health officials say upwards of 200 people could have come in contact with the bug. They are working with the hotel to ensure proper safety measures are in place.

“Whether it be a meeting space or kitchens, hallways, guestrooms, all public areas, all public bathrooms, all areas of the hotel have undergone a very strict and stringent cleaning process,” says Stuart Jolliffe of Delta Halifax.

Health officials say they aren’t certain what caused the outbreak, but they have been in contact with everyone who contracted the illness in an effort to identify common symptoms.

“People who are affected are seeing a quick onset of diarrhea, vomiting, but it usually settles down in about 12 hours, so people who have been affected have already recovered,” says Atherton.

While gastrointestinal illnesses are unpleasant, health officials say they are not unusual and are seldom critical. Millions of cases are reported worldwide every year.

Public Health is asking anyone who has developed symptoms after visiting the Delta Halifax this week to contact them at 481-5824.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Suzette Belliveau