Stomach Bug Going Around Minnesota

[KMSP Fox 9, January 17, 2011] The Minnesota Department of Health says the norovirus is hitting it’s peak. Long-term care facilities across the state have reported outbreaks of the norovirus. MDH says this is the normal time of year for the gastrointestinal bug to infect nursing homes.

The norovirus symptoms include abdominal cramping, pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The virus typically takes about 48 hours to run its course.

“It gets worse where a lot of people live closely together, like long term care or in schools, daycares,” said Allina infection preventionist Cindy Larson. “Once it gets in there, it's really difficult to stop because it's contagious.” Watch the story below.