SACRAMENTO – (INT) - Health officials throughout the state say they’re working to control norovirus outbreaks.

They have increased in the past few weeks, and are occurring in schools and other institutional settings.

Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread quickly in settings where people come in close contact with each other such as cruise ships, daycare centers, schools and health care facilities. It is the leading cause of gastrointestinal illness in the U.S.

State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith warns that “Norovirus is very infectious and can spread rapidly wherever people congregate and share food and bathroom facilities. Fortunately, most people with will recover quickly, usually in one to three days.”

Norovirus activity is seasonal and typically peaks in late winter or spring each year. It causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain. Most people with norovirus get better within 1 to 3 days.

Story Date: June 1, 2017