The Minnesota Department of Health is reporting 40 cases of norovirus so far in December

Cases of norovirus have increased in Minnesota this month, with more than 40 reported so far in December, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

This is more than double the usual number of reports of the virus, also called “stomach flu”, the Ministry of Health expects during the month. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and potentially low-grade fever or chills, headache, and muscle aches.

Norovirus is also highly contagious.

In response, the Department of Health is urging the public to take the following steps to prevent the disease from spreading further to family and friends during the holidays.

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before preparing or eating food and after using the bathroom or changing a diaper. Most hand sanitizers do not kill norovirus.

Do not prepare food for others if you have vomited or had diarrhea in the last three days.

Clean and disinfect surfaces with a household bleach solution immediately after contact with vomit or diarrhea.

Always cook shellfish before eating them.