AURORA, Colo. -- Dozens appear to have contracted the Norovirus after a large funeral reception for a priest in Aurora earlier this week.

At least three people have been hospitalized, and 65 have reported symptoms.

Officials aren't clear what triggered the outbreak, which occurred at the Queen of Peace Catholic Church, the largest catholic congregation in Colorado.

It may have been the catered reception, homemade desserts or simply an infected person attending the funeral.

The Tri-County Health Department has not confirmed it is Norovirus. For now, health officials are calling it a gastrointestinal virus that should be treated with caution.

"We were notified yesterday, late in the day," said Tri-County Health deputy director Bruce Wilson on Friday.

About 1,800 people attended Father Malachy McBride's funeral on Monday, and 700 attended the reception afterwards.

"And unfortunately, we've heard from about 65 people that have gotten the Norovirus," said Steve Loftis, the business manager at Queen of Peace.

"I think one of the things to do is to ascertain their medical condition. And if they happen to have a compromised immune system, (they) should see a physician as soon as possible," said Wilson.

The Norovirus has symptoms similar to the flu and it is commonly transmitted by contaminated food or person to person.

The most recent local outbreak was last month at the University of Denver. Several freshman who live on campus came down with it. It's also common on cruise ships and other semi-closed communities where it tends to spread rapidly.

The health department is in the process of collecting stool samples.

The church has started cleaning surfaces, doorknobs, handrails and so forth with bleach and water.

Experts say the virus can stay with people anywhere from 24 hours or two weeks.