MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says there have been more than 50 norovirus outbreaks so far this year. The highly contagious and uncomfortable illness struck Shiloh Elementary School in Union County last month. Nearly 200 students were out sick.
Doctors say symptoms develop within 24 to 48 hours, and can last 2 to 3 days.
"It makes people miserable, definitely,” said physicians assistant Steve Floyd. “And so no one likes to throw up, stomach cramps, diarrhea. The nice thing is it only last three days."
Floyd says if symptoms last longer, seek medical treatment.
To avoid getting sick, Floyd says wash hands, wipe down surfaces where an infected person has been, and never eat food prepared by someone with the norovirus.