Wash your hands
By Will Collette
The CDC defines it this way:
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.
It is sometimes called the "stomach flu" or the "stomach bug." However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu. The flu is caused by the influenza virus. Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines.
Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days; but they can still spread the virus for a few days after.
The states highlighted in dark blue are those with the highest numbers of outbreaks. The numbers do not reflect the case rates (i.e. the number per 100,000 people), Since all of the other dark blue states have populations much higher than Rhode Island, that makes our numbers even worse. Rhode Island, with its one million people has had 16 outbreaks while California with 40 million people has had 43 outbreaks. See the CDC data tables here.
Here are a set of quick fact graphics from the State of Ohio posted online by the RI Department of Health. I noted their caution that hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus while washing your hands with soap and water does.
