A sharp increase in norovirus cases is sweeping the United States, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Often called the "stomach flu," norovirus is a leading cause of gastroenteritis,

Noroviruses, also known as food poisoning or the stomach bug, are “ common and highly contagious ,” according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. About 1 in 15 people across the U.S. get the virus annually, experts said.

Local health care facilities have advised residents to be on the lookout for patients presenting with norovirus symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, body ache, headache and fever.