Norovirus is being accused for causing the deadly illnesses which affected hundreds of people during a cheerleading and dancing event that was organized in Everett earlier during this month.

To uncover the root cause of the illness, the Public Health Laboratories conducted a series of tests which, on Friday, ended up confirming that Norovirus was responsible for the entire outbreak which invaded around 229 adults, including participants.

Norovirus is said to be an extremely contagious disease which is said be inspired by infection caused by a virus dubbed Norovirus. It's frequently termed by various other names, like viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning and stomach flu, as per statements released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Norovirus is characteristically transmitted from person-to-person.

In excess of 200 individuals reported diarrhea and vomiting during the event that took place on February 4 and after that as well, with a minimum of 33 having solicited urgent medical assistance. Those figures are likely to increase further as state health authorities receive response of surveys carried out to event families and participants, as per reports released by the state health department.

Earlier on Tuesday, state health officials from Washington claimed that they are probing over intestinal ailments bothering more than 19 groups that took part in a state cheerleading tournament that happened over the weekend in Everett.

The initial indications of the illness were developed during Sunday and Monday, as per statements revealed by the Health Department.

Adults as well as students from Skyview high schools in Clark County and Columbia River congregated at the occurrence. Finally, around four adults and three students from Columbia River complained illness after the end of the event.