Norovirus spreading quickly in Utah, experts say ‘wash your hands’

SALT LAKE CITY — Just in time for Christmas, norovirus, better known as the stomach bug, is spreading like wildfire in Utah right now.

Laine McCullough with the Salt Lake County Health Department said they’ve seen a big spike in norovirus cases in a short amount of time.

This is one of those illnesses that when you get it, you know you’re sick.

“For the period of time that you have, it is very very miserable. You get vomiting, diarrhea, stomach aches,” McCullough.

The only consolation, McCullough said, is that the illness doesn’t last long. Usually, you’ll have it for a day or two.

Amid holiday celebrations, it’s important to know that norovirus is contagious and spreads quickly.

“It’s so hard to tell people to avoid being around other people when they’re sick, especially this time of year. But if you are sick, just try to maintain a distance.”

McCullough also suggested washing your hands and surfaces regularly because the norovirus germs aren’t stopped by hand sanitizer.

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