There is now a new strain of norovirus for us to watch out for. The new norovirus strain, which causes diarrhea and vomiting, is responsible for the most of the disease outbreaks in the U.S. in most recent months say the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The proportion of the norovirus outbreak caused by this new strain has increased from 19% to 58%.

Norovirus outbreaks are most common between the months of November and April. New strains generally emerge every 2 to 3 years; this strain in particular was first detected last March in Australia.

“New norovirus strains often lead to more outbreaks but not always,” said Dr. Jan Vinjé, director of CaliciNet, the CDC’s surveillance system for norovirus.

The norovirus is highly contagious and infects about 21 million Americans each year, killing about 800. Young children and the elderly are at the highest risk for sever illness says the CDC.

51% of outbreaks of the new strain are spread person to person, 20% are due to foodborne illness, 1% are due to waterborne illness, and the remainin 28% had an unknown mode of transmission.

The best way of avoiding said virus is to wash your hands regularly with disinfectant soap, disinfect surfaces, and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

Paul Hudson | Elite.