Noroviruses, also known as food poisoning or the stomach bug, are “ common and highly contagious ,” according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. About 1 in 15 people across the U.S. get the virus annually, experts said.

On the week of Dec. 5, the CDC reported 91 cases of the virus ― over double the highest number recorded between 2021 and 2024.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has previously signaled that influenza A, COVID and RSV are on the rise across the U.S. Now, the risk of catching norovirus — more commonly known as the stomach flu — is escalating,

UHS Wilson Medical Center was recently on a diversion due to high patient volume. Broome County Health Department called it "the perfect storm."

If COVID-19 taught us anything it's that washing your hands is often the best thing to do to prevent the spread of infections, including norovirus.

Here's what you need to know about norovirus, or the stomach flu. According to the CDC, "norovirus is a very contagious virus" that causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines and leads to vomiting and diarrhea.