DHEC warning about Stomach Bug

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is warning residents about the spread of a stomach bug.  January marks the rise of the stomach bug known as norovirus. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach cramping. DHEC officials say that while this is sometimes known as the stomach flu, it has nothing to do with influenza. DHEC officials say the norovirus is spread by eating foods or drinking liquids that are contaminated, touching contaminated surfaces, or having direct contact with an afflicted person. Since there is no vaccine, health officials warn people to wash their hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before they prepare food.