CHICAGO (CBS) — Cases of norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug, are surging in the Chicago area and nationwide, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What does the outbreak look like across the Chicago area and what can you do to keep your family safe?
Cook County is tracking the highest number of norovirus cases in more than three years, and the county’s top doctor said there are likely more cases going unreported.
“We definitely want to be aware of these kinds of viruses, because they are so so contagious and cause so much illness,” said Dr. Rachel Rubin, senior medical officer with the Cook County Department of Public Health. “During holiday time because people are going out and celebrating. They are congregating with other people. That makes the spread that much more easy to happen.”
CBS News Chicago asked health experts what you need to know as we track this rise.