PLANO (CBSDFW.COM) – Health officials in Plano have been called in to help contain an outbreak of an illness that has sickened as many as 60 residents of a retirement center.

Plano health officials say they haven’t seen anything like the viral outbreak they are currently seeing at the Waterford at Plano in recent history, and think it might be an illness similar to one seen on cruise ships.

The virus has spread among 40-to-60 residents here.  While its not life threatening, it has led to a lock down of the entire facility.

Signs on exterior doors warn visitors entering the Waterford at Plano retirement center on Premier Road.

Since last week, dozens of residents who live in the all-inclusive facility have contracted a mysterious stomach virus which causes, nausea, diarrhea and is very contagious.

A manager at the assisted living facility said they are working with the city and county to prevent the illness from spreading.

For now, activities have been canceled, meals are being delivered to resident’s rooms and unnecessary visits are discouraged.

As far as Plano Health officials know, the virus has not yet been identified.

But it has similarities to a norovirus, which can spread easily.

The Waterford has advised residents and staff that the best way to prevent the spread is to keep people from congregating together as much as possible, promote hand washing and thoroughly scrub every square inch of their building.

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