The notorious norovirus, which mimics a wicked stomach flu, is believed to have sickened more than 80 mourners at the funeral last week of a popular Aurora priest, the Rev. Malachy McBride.

The victim list could climb "into the hundreds," said Dr. Tista Ghosh, with the Tri-County Health Department. She said it appears to be the largest gastrointestinal-virus outbreak in Adams, Douglas and Arapahoe counties this year.

Among the victims was the pastor of Queen of Peace Catholic Church and members of McBride's extended family. The funeral and a reception were held at the church, 13120 E. Kentucky Ave., in Aurora, on May 5.

Primary symptoms are cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

"It was sad enough as it was," said the parish's business manager, Steve Loftis. "I know Father Malachy would be very embarrassed that we did all this for him and then this happened."

About 1,500 people came to honor McBride, 71, a popular leader at Queen of Peace. He died May 1 of cancer.

Archbishop Charles Chaput was at the funeral but did not attend the reception. He did not become ill, said his spokeswoman, Jeanette DeMelo.

The virus seems to have originated at the reception, which was attended by about 800 people. The church's pastor, the Rev. Martin Lally, fell ill Wednesday. Loftis said other victims included a number of priests in McBride's religious order, the Capuchins.

A positive identification of the virus probably won't come until the end of the week, Ghosh said.

The norovirus became well- known following cruise-ship outbreaks in 2006. It is spread by people who don't wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom. It spreads fast after an infected person touches surfaces, shakes hands, or handles food.

In this case, the large number of infected people suggests the culprit was contaminated food.

The health department has investigated the event's two caterers but didn't find any infected employees, Ghosh said. The bug could also have been lurking in baked goods donated by parishioners or been passed on by volunteers who laid out the food.

Ghosh said that officials will narrow down the source of the illness by interviewing people who fell ill and people who didn't.

torkelsonj@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5055

Norovirus Q & A

* Is it safe to go to Queen of Peace Catholic Church?

Yes. The parish has done a special "deep cleaning," swabbing surfaces with special bleach agents.

* Is this the same as food poisoning?

No. If it's norovirus - and all the symptoms suggest it is - the problem isn't in the food itself, but in its contamination with fecal matter by someone with poor sanitary habits.

* What happens next?

The Tri-County Health Department should have the virus positively identified by the end of the week. But it will take several weeks to pinpoint where the contamination started.

* What should infected people do?

Stay well hydrated. The virus passes in 24 to 48 hours. Elderly and the young should be watched closely. It can be worse for them. If you get sick, let the parish know at 303-364-1056. The information is being passed on to the health department, which may want to interview you or take samples.