SANTA CRUZ -- Santa Cruz County Public Health has issued an advisory regarding an outbreak of a "highly-contagious" foodbourne illness at a local hotel that has affected at least 80 people and could have been exposed to at least 1,000.

The gastrointestinal illness, which causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, has not yet been identified but is thought to be Norovirus, which can be transmitted from person to person, according to the department of health.

"We strongly suspect it's the Norovirus, but we hope to have lab results back by Monday," Bob Kennedy, chief of public health said.

About 1,000 people may have been exposed at a Santa Cruz area hotel, which Kennedy declined to name, between Nov. 9 and Thursday. Public health is attempting to contact each person who may have been exposed, including hotel staff and guests.

Hotel workers are being monitored for symptoms and if they display signs of illness will be sent home until they are symptom free for 24 hours. The health department is also reviewing food-handling practices with workers and has supervised a thorough cleansing of the kitchen, bathrooms and dining areas.

Anyone who suspects they are suffering from the illness should contact their physician.

With the upcoming holiday season Kennedy recommends that people use proper food-handling techniques and wash their hands frequently. Norovirus can be fatal to the elderly if left untreated.

Anyone with questions is asked to call Santa Cruz County Public Health at (831) 454-7529.