Contagious Stomach Bug Spreading Across MN, Midwest: CDC

MINNESOTA — Cases of a nasty stomach bug known as norovirus have spiked in recent weeks across several states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, and other Midwest states, according to recent data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Often called the "stomach flu" or "food poisoning," anyone can become infected or sick with norovirus, according to health officials.

Norovirus is often spread through direct contact with an infected person, eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with the virus, or touching contaminated surfaces, health officials said. It also spreads through the feces and vomit of an infected person.

Minnesota and Wisconsin each have five norovirus outbreaks, the most in the country, according to the CDC. CDC data published Feb. 22 shows the three-week average for positive norovirus tests in the Midwest region hovered around 10 percent.

The Northeast region reached 13.9 percent in recent weeks and has remained above 10 percent since the middle of December 2023. Meanwhile, the West averaged 12 percent positivity, and the South nearly 9.5 percent.