DHEC Investigates Big Rise in Norovirus Outbreaks

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ South Carolina health officials say they’ve investigated more than four times the number outbreaks of a virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting this year than they investigated during the period last year. The Department of Health and Environmental Control said Tuesday that the 33 outbreaks of norovirus reported this year have been in a variety of places, including schools and nursing homes. DHEC investigated eight outbreaks through Feb. 22 of last year. Doctors say norovirus is easily spread and causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping for one to two days. It usually isn’t serious, unless it causes severe dehydration. DHEC says frequently washing hands is the easiest way to stop the virus from spreading.