MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A Minnesota health official says a common stomach bug is once again making the rounds.

Kris Ehresmann is with the Minnesota Health Department. Ehresmann says outbreaks of norovirus have been reported in a number of long-term care facilities.

Norovirus is a gastrointestinal bug. It causes symptoms including abdominal cramping, pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Ehresmann says the standard advice applies: Wash your hands often with soap and water, and avoid preparing food for others.

This is also about the time that seasonal flu becomes more common.

Ehresmann tells reporters it's been a relatively quiet flu season so far, although it tends to peak in late January or early February.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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