Health officials are warning Las Vegas visitors to take precautions after a recent spike of gastrointestinal illnesses in the vacation hotspot.

As recently as last week, six people in a Hawai'i traveling party of 11 reported getting ill with flu-like symptoms consistent with a highly contagious norovirus, which causes vomiting, diarrhea, chills and cramps.

Ken Kimi, owner of A Touch Above Travel in Honolulu, said his wife and five others got sick after staying at the California Hotel in Las Vegas.

Kimi said the travelers suffered from vomiting and other symptoms for two to three days. Kimi's wife got sick on Jan. 21, after a week in Las Vegas. The other travelers got sick soon after returning to the Islands, he said.

Kimi also said he knows of a neighbor and a relative who got sick on separate recent trips to Las Vegas. "People need to know this stuff," Kimi said. "It's not a coincidence. Something is going on here."

A manager at the California Hotel, which is popular among Hawai'i residents who visit Las Vegas, declined comment last night.

Though there is no indication of any virus outbreak, Kimi has warned his clients headed to Las Vegas in the coming weeks about the virus.

He said none of his clients have canceled.

The Southern Nevada Health District issued a press release earlier this month, warning visitors to Las Vegas and others about a spike in illnesses. "The illnesses are not connected to any particular restaurant, facility or food," the release said, "but are affecting people through Las Vegas Valley."

Janice Okubo, state Health Department spokeswoman, said she knows of at least two Hawai'i residents who called the agency to report getting ill after visiting Las Vegas. She knows of no norovirus outbreak.

Okubo also said that though Hawai'i doctors are not required to report cases of the virus, most would call the Health Department if a surge of patients appeared with symptoms. No doctors have called to report cases.

Okubo said residents who are planning to visit Las Vegas should carry hand sanitizer with them, use it often, and avoid touching their hands to their face or mouth. Visitors should also wash their hands often.

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.