Michigan Sees One of Highest Norovirus Spikes This Season

Grab your puke bowl, because the norovirus is making its way through Michigan.

The norovirus — also known as the "winter vomiting disease" — is an extremely contagious virus that causes sudden vomiting and diarrhea. And unfortunately, Michigan is experiencing an uptick.

READ ALSO: Health Officials Warn of Elevated Flu Levels in Michigan

According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the number of suspected or confirmed norovirus outbreaks is at the second-highest level so far this season.

What Is Norovirus and How Does It Spread?

The norovirus is spread through eating or drinking contaminated food or water; touching your mouth after touching a contaminated surface; or through close contact with someone infected with the virus.

Symptoms include:

• stomach pain/cramps
• nausea
• vomiting
• watery or loose diarrhea
• low-grade fever
• muscle pain
• feeling sick

Since this virus is highly contagious, you'll want to avoid spreading it wherever possible. Avoid contact with others and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Also be careful when cleaning and/or disposing of soiled items.

When to Seek Medical Help for Dehydration

In the meantime, staying hydrated is the name of the game. Water, juice, broth, and popsicles are going to be your best friends. However, if you find that symptoms get worse, or you start to experience new ones like fatigue, dizziness, decreased urine output, dry mouth, and listlessness, seek medical attention, as these are signs of dehydration.

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Here's hoping that Michigan has seen the worst of norovirus this season and numbers go down from here.