BOSTON (AP) – Public health officials are urging hospitals to do a better job of promoting hand-washing after dozens of people were sickened by norovirus at three Boston hospitals in recent weeks.

The Boston Globe reports that at Massachusetts General Hospital, 31 staffers and 13 patients fell ill with the gastrointestinal disease – which causes vomiting and diarrhea but generally leaves no lasting health effects.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital reported that eight patients and 22 staff members contracted norovirus. And an outbreak at a Children’s Hospital day care facility left 33 children and adults sick.

While the virus is difficult to stop entirely, experts say hospitals can slow its spread by encouraging employees to vigorously wash their hands with alcohol-based gel or soap after treating patients.

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Information from: The Boston Globe, http://www.boston.com/globe

AP-ES-01-08-08 0709EST