Surge in Norovirus Cases
Norovirus cases in the United States have surged, with 91 reported infections in just one week this December, more than double the usual count in the past three years. The spike in cases mirrors trends in Minnesota, where infections have also been reported at more than double the usual rate for December.

What is Norovirus?
Often called the stomach flu, Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to vomiting and diarrhoea. According to the CDC, it is the primary cause of foodborne illnesses in the US, accounting for 58% of such cases. Norovirus spreads easily in crowded places, like schools and healthcare facilities.

Symptoms of Norovirus
The symptoms of Norovirus appear suddenly and include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach cramps
• Dry mouth and weakness
• Dizziness and low-grade fever
• Headache and muscle aches
  Those infected often experience frequent vomiting, sometimes multiple times a day.

How Norovirus Spreads
Norovirus spreads through contact with contaminated stool or vomit, often due to poor hand hygiene. Common ways it spreads include:

• Consuming contaminated food or liquids
• Eating raw shellfish from polluted waters
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth or eating without washing hands.

Prevention Tips for Norovirus
To protect against Norovirus, follow these key prevention measures:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom or before preparing food.
• Disinfect surfaces with a bleach solution if vomit or diarrhoea accidents occur.
• Cook shellfish thoroughly, especially oysters.
• Avoid preparing food for others while symptomatic and for at least three days after recovery.