ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO/WCCO) – Norovirus numbers were up in December compared to the previous 12 months across the country. Minnesota Health Department Senior Epidemiologist Amy Saupe says this is an extremely contagious disease. Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States.

The department defines an outbreak as an incident in which two or more persons experience a similar illness after a common exposure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the number of outbreaks reported this year exceeds previous years

A contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea is on the surge, according to new data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A confirmation of 91 cases were reported during the week of December 5,