Common stomach bug norovirus making rounds in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota health official says a common stomach bug is once again making the rounds.

Kris Ehresmann is with the Minnesota Health Department. Ehresmann says outbreaks of norovirus have been reported in a number of long-term care facilities.

Norovirus is a gastrointestinal bug. It causes symptoms including abdominal cramping, pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Ehresmann says the standard advice applies: Wash your hands often with soap and water, and avoid preparing food for others.

This is also about the time that seasonal flu becomes more common. Ehresmann tells WCCO-AM it's been a relatively quiet flu season so far, although it tends to peak in late January or early February.

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