Vermont health officials are warning about a norovirus outbreak linked to the Windjammer Restaurant and Upper Deck Pub in South Burlington.

Officials say they have received more than 50 reports of illness and that nine lab tests confirmed the presence of the highly-infectious virus. They are notifying people who may have eaten at the restaurant since March 11. They say the restaurant's management has been cooperating and has agreed to voluntarily close for 48 hours for thorough cleaning.

Health officials say if you are sick, just stay home.

"That can be hard for staff sometimes for financial reasons. People come to work even if they're not feeling well or maybe even just because of a work ethic, people feel like, 'I can get through this.' But in the food industry it's just so extra important to stay home," said Tracy Dolan, the deputy commissioner of the Vermont Department of Health.

In a statement on their Facebook page, restaurant officials said, "...This has been a tremendously difficult and unforeseen event as we take great pride in our high standards of safety, health and cleanliness."

The Health Department says the restaurant will go through handwashing and hygiene training with staff but the source of the outbreak is still unknown.

Noroviruses can cause acute gastroenteritis illness similar to stomach flu. Symptoms usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and some stomach cramping.

Those people that may have eaten at the restaurant are being asked to fill out a questionnaire. For more information